Full-Time Lead Teacher (Elementary & Middle School Level) at Brightside
2026–2027 School Year

• Location: Menlo Park, CA
• Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience + benefits (healthcare assistance, PTO, 401k)
• Housing: A private guesthouse may be available for the right candidate
• Start Date: August 17, 2026

A vibrant and intentional family in Menlo Park, CA is seeking an imaginative, grounded, and nurturing full-time educator for a rare opportunity: a private home-based microschool with possible on-site housing included.

The family is building a thoughtful educational experience for their four children, ages 5–13, blending strong academics with nature, art, literature, and meaningful relationships. Their approach is rooted in the Charlotte Mason philosophy — a time-tested method that honors the whole child through living books, habit formation, and a broad feast of subjects. They are a family of faith seeking an educator who shares a similar orientation and brings both warmth and intellectual curiosity to the learning environment.

The family currently uses the Alveary curriculum and is open to thoughtfully supplementing it with materials that align with their values. Once or twice a week, the teacher helps facilitate a collaborative microschool day with other homeschool families in the community — bringing peer learning and variety to the role.

The right educator thrives in a collaborative, child-centered atmosphere and is excited to help shape an emerging educational community.

Expectations

• Lead daily instruction in core subjects including reading, writing, and math using engaging, developmentally appropriate, and literature-rich methods.
• Deliver a broad weekly rotation of subjects — nature study, history, art, composer study, and geography — supported by the Charlotte Mason Alveary curriculum and additional trusted resources.
• Coordinate guest teachers and facilitate a community microschool day 1–2 times per week.
• Collaborate closely with parents to plan curriculum and long-term learning goals.
• Document children's learning progress through online portfolios and informal reporting.
• Maintain a calm, tidy, and inspiring classroom space.
• Support the development of positive habits and social-emotional growth.
• Model curiosity, attentiveness, and a genuine love of learning.
• Open to gardening, science projects and handicrafts with the children. 
• Speaking a second language is a plus! 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher (teaching certificate not required).
• Experience working with children at the elementary and middle school levels.
• Organized, flexible, and responsive to the needs of growing learners.
• Passionate about creative, hands-on, and relationship-based education.
• Familiarity with or genuine interest in Charlotte Mason philosophy.
• Valid U.S. driver's license.

Additional Details

• Schedule: Full-time (40–50 hrs/week), M–F 9:30am–3:30pm plus prep and communication time.
• Start date: August 17, 2026, with optional part-time onboarding prior to the school year.
• Housing: A guesthouse may be available for the right candidate if necessary.

If you're excited about co-creating a learning journey that honors the individuality of each child and the beauty of discovery, we would love to hear from you!

To apply: Please send a brief cover letter and resume to team@brightside.to. In your cover letter, share why Charlotte Mason philosophy resonates with you and what draws you to this kind of learning environment.