Long-Term Substitute Lead Teacher (Maternity Leave)

Full-Time 2nd Grade Lead Teacher
April 13, 2026 – June 12, 2026

The Nueva School Lower School is currently seeking a full-time, long-term substitute lead teacher for 2nd grade who is passionate about integrated, project-based learning and joyful elementary education.

This role collaborates closely with a grade-level teaching team to design and teach curriculum connected to a year-long thematic study while supporting students’ development in reading, writing, and mathematics. The long-term substitute lead teacher will co-lead students through a year-end culmination project and event.

In May, the 2nd-grade class participates in an overnight camping trip (May 14–15). This teacher will serve as a co-chaperone and play an active role in supporting students during this experience.

In addition to classroom teaching, all full-time teachers at Nueva support student well-being, design and deliver differentiated curriculum, teach collaboratively, write narrative progress reports, maintain a weekly parent blog, and mentor an associate teacher.

We are seeking applicants who represent the full diversity of our community in the Bay Area. Our ideal candidate demonstrates understanding of and commitment to working within diverse socioeconomic, racial, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, academic, and ethnic backgrounds.

In joining Nueva, you become part of an inclusive, iterative, and equity-minded community that views JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) as a lens through which we examine all aspects of school life to ensure that all students can thrive. Candidates are strongly encouraged to reflect on alignment with Nueva’s Mission, Vision, and Values. when considering this role.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach 2nd-grade curriculum with high expectations and care for each student

• Convey enthusiasm for learning, inquiry, and intellectual curiosity

• Deliver instruction that emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving

• Create hands-on, project-based learning experiences

• Collaborate with grade-level colleagues to enrich curriculum and instruction

• Support the development of reading, writing, and math skills

• Differentiate instruction to meet a range of learning needs

• Support student social-emotional well-being

• Communicate effectively and collaboratively with students, colleagues, and families

• Maintain a weekly parent communication/blog

• Lead parent-teacher conferences

• Write end-of-year narrative progress reports

• Mentor and collaborate with an associate teacher

• Participate in and contribute to school life beyond the classroom

• Model professionalism and commitment to Nueva’s mission and values

• Lead by example in your commitment to Nueva's mission

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required

• Minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching experience

• Formal or informal experience working with elementary-aged students

• Experience and/or education in teaching reading, writing, and mathematics

• Experience with project-based learning and integrated curriculum design

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and families

• Commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching in an independent school or progressive education setting

• Familiarity with gifted learners and differentiated instruction

• Experience mentoring or supervising associate teachers or teaching assistants

• Experience writing narrative progress reports

• Comfort supporting experiential learning, including overnight field trips

• Demonstrated commitment to equity-minded and culturally responsive teaching

Encouraged to Apply

Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications, we strongly encourage you to apply. We recognize that candidates bring a wide range of lived experiences, professional paths, and transferable skills that may not be fully reflected in a traditional résumé. If you are excited about teaching elementary students, passionate about project-based learning, and aligned with the mission, values, and community of the Nueva School, we would welcome your application.

Compensation and Benefits

The full-time equivalent salary range for this position is $79,200 - $145,900. The starting salary is based upon, but not limited to, several factors that include type and years of experience, education level, and expertise.

We offer a compensation and benefits package that includes fully paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance for employees, employer contribution toward dependent insurance premiums, a generous match on our retirement plan, long-term disability insurance, a flexible spending account, and free lunch. Relocation assistance available. Eligibility rules must be met.

In deciding whether to apply for a position at Nueva, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with Nueva’s Mission, Vision, and Values. 

To Apply

Please submit your application information - cover letter describing your interest and preparedness for the position, a resume documenting your relevant experience and expertise, and contact information for three professional references, including an explanation of your relationship - to the Nueva Employment Website.  To address specific questions, please email Megan Terra at mterra@nuevaschool.org.

The Nueva School is an Equal Opportunity Employer – we do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, or sex. We welcome applications from people of color and those with experience outside the education field. 

About The Nueva School

The Nueva School, an internationally recognized, nonprofit, independent day school, has served gifted and talented students since 1967. Today, Nueva serves nearly 1000 students PK-12. Nueva is located in the neighboring towns of Hillsborough and San Mateo, equidistant between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, serving six different counties throughout the Bay Area of Northern California.

A school that honors multiple pathways to learning through inquiry and experience. Nueva is recognized for its distinctive inquiry-based, interdisciplinary studies; project-based learning; and pioneering work in social-emotional learning and design thinking. The Nueva community instills a passion for lifelong learning, fosters social and emotional acuity, and develops the imaginative mind. Our school has received the US Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Award, the US Department of Education National Green Ribbon Award, and the American Institute of Architects Award for School Design and Sustainability; has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program and appointed an Ashoka Changemaker School; co-founded the Common Ground Speaker Series; hosts the biennial Innovative Learning Conference, and was highlighted by the Pulitzer Prize–winning and New York Times best-selling author Thomas Friedman in his book That Used to Be Us in the chapter “Average Is Over.”

For more information about The Nueva School, visit our website: www.nuevaschool.org