Lower School SEL Specialist

Synapse School Position Overview

The Synapse School in Menlo Park, CA, an innovative TK-8 independent school located in the heart of Silicon Valley, dedicated to rethinking and reimagining education, seeks a Lower School SEL Specialist.

Synapse educates a community of change makers by combining social-emotional learning (SEL), leading-edge academics, and the practice of innovation. We have an unwavering belief in children's capacity, and our teachers work alongside our students to unlock their curiosity, discovery, and creativity. Synapse’s program provides a deep and unique range of integrated academic, social, and creative experiences to help children use their hearts and hands to unleash their passion for learning. Synapse draws students from around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Position Description

Synapse School has a full-time opening for a lower school Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) specialist for the 2026-27 school year. We need a candidate passionate about social and emotional learning for younger students.

Ideal candidates should be creative, enthusiastic teachers with a strong commitment to meeting each student's individual learning needs. They should have teaching methods that support differentiated instruction and a collaborative spirit. They should also be interested in building community and enjoy working with young learners.

We are seeking a teacher who loves younger students, excels at collaboration, is keen on innovation and design, possesses a growth mindset, always prioritizes the child, is dedicated to SEL, and wants to join a team of forward-thinking educators aiming to make significant contributions.

Responsibilities Include the Following

• Plan, develop, and deliver Self Science lessons for grades TK–4.
• Design and develop a project-based SEL curriculum, differentiating for each grade level.
• Collaborate with teachers to integrate SEL into existing curriculum.
• Develop and implement assessments to measure student SEL growth.
• Support teachers in creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment.

• Master's degree in Education, Counseling, or a related field.
• Teaching experience in a lower school setting.
• Strong knowledge of social-emotional learning principles and practices.
• Ability to design and implement project-based learning experiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for working with young learners and commitment to meeting each student's individual needs.