Seventh & Eighth Grade Science Teacher 2026-2027
Chinese American International School • San Francisco
Chinese American International School in San Francisco, CA seeks a
Seventh & Eighth Grade Science Teacher
Exempt, full-time position beginning school year 2026-2027
This position does not require fluency in Mandarin
OPPORTUNITY
Join the vibrant community at the Chinese American International School’s new Forever Home campus on 19th Avenue as a Seventh & Eighth Grade Science Teacher. Become part of a team striving to be the world’s most innovative, inspiring, and influential Chinese English dual-language immersion school.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate finds resonance with CAIS’s mission to Embrace Chinese, Become Our Best Selves, and Contribute to a Better World; our Core Values of Courage, Curiosity, Inclusion, Kindness, and Perseverance; and the Strategic Vision 2026+ currently being developed by the community. This candidate thrives in a multi-cultural, collaborative environment. CAIS is renowned for its program and a high caliber of teaching is paramount. Strong candidates will embrace the opportunity to deepen the science curriculum, and are skilled in integrating science skills and content alongside other disciplines, including our Design Thinking and STEAM offerings. Drawing on the use of phenomenon-based, student-centered, and inquiry-based pedagogies, the 7th & 8th grade science teacher will enjoy fantastic facilities and significant freedom and creativity in designing and delivering our established curriculum.
MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS and RESPONSIBILITY
Teach four sections of 7th & 8th Grade Science
Implement the 7th & 8th Grade Science curricula with a student-centered approach
Oversee and advocate for a group of 10-12 advisory students, through daily advisory meetings and one advisory class per week
Develop a positive intellectual, emotional, and social climate within the classroom
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Successfully teach all assigned classes in accordance with age appropriate best practices
Maintain accurate and complete academic reports that provide a cumulative record of student performance; Prepare evaluations, grades and progress reports according to prescribed procedures and deadlines
Demonstrate an affirming attitude toward the school, a willingness to accept positive criticism, a professional demeanor and integrity
Encompass a positive discipline approach in guiding student behavior
Develop learning experiences that meet the students' varying needs and interests
Report immediately major student misbehavior to the appropriate division director
Maintain high standards of respect, courtesy, and mutual consideration with the school community, including with students, staff, and parents
Serve on faculty committees as needed
Communicate in a positive, supportive, timely and professional manner with parents (written and verbal) on an ongoing basis
Attend faculty and division meetings including required meetings/events before the beginning of, during and after the conclusion of the school year
Demonstrate openness to observations, feedback, and coaching on classroom instruction
Participation in the CAIS outdoor education program as needed
Administrative and supervisory duties outside of class as assigned by the middle school director
ESSENTIAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, and REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum: 2 years classroom experience
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Experience working with diverse communities
Commitment to school mission, policies and initiatives
Experience with curriculum development
Initial and continued criminal background clearance by DOJ and FBI
Initial and continued tuberculosis clearance
VALUED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
We value, but do not require, the following attributes:
Teaching credential, Master’s in Education (M.Ed.), or equivalent
Bilingual: English/Mandarin is a plus
Personal experience with second language acquisition
COMPENSATION
CAIS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and education, as well as a comprehensive benefits package. The compensation range of $81,400-$129,400 reflects the full-time, school-year position. Please see the final page for a description of benefits.
ABOUT CAIS
As the nation’s first Mandarin immersion day school, Chinese American International School (CAIS) is an independent Preschool through 8th grade school in San Francisco. Our mission—Embrace Chinese, Become Our Best Selves, and Contribute to a Better World—guides every aspect of our work. CAIS prepares students to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world through language, culture, and character development. Our new campus and state-of-the-art performing arts facilities provide an exceptional foundation for creative teaching, learning, and community engagement.
TO APPLY
CAIS’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is central to our mission. People of color and LGBTQIA candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and list of references to middle_school_jobs@cais.org, attention: Joe Williamson. PLEASE NOTE: In the subject line indicate “7TH & 8TH GRADE SCIENCE.” In your cover letter, please reference how you learned of this opening. Please no calls.
CAIS AS A WORKPLACE
BENEFITS CAIS is dedicated to attracting, developing, rewarding and retaining world-class employees and ensuring that this is a great place to work. We put a high priority on advances in compensation, benefits, and work climate with a 2026–2027 benefits package and perks including: Distinctively CAIS Benefits
Commuter benefits (up to $340/month)
Chaperone student trips to Taiwan (Taipei) and China (Guilin and Yunnan Province)
Dynamic, dual culture setting valuing honest self assessment, thoughtful self reflection, intentional planning, and focused implementation Financial Benefits
CAIS contributes 5% of your earnings immediately in a 403(B) retirement plan (no contribution required on your part)
Transparent salary benchmarked to the Bay Area’s competitive standards, including annual cost-of-living adjustments
Consideration for relocation costs
Approximately 90% adjustment to tuition for exempt employees Professional Development
Robust opportunities for conferences, workshops, and courses
Membership in California Teacher Development Collaborative — https://catdc.org/
Health Benefits
CAIS pays 100% of the premium for medical, dental, vision, acupuncture, chiropractic, short-term disability and long-term disability, and life insurance for you (along with competitive rates for spouse and family coverage)
Employer-funded Health Savings Account (HSA) and Pre-tax HSA employee contribution
Pre-tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for medical and dependent care Vacation / Holiday / Paid Time Off
Thanksgiving Break – 1 week
Winter Break (December/January) – 2 weeks
Winter Break (February) – 1 week
Spring Break (April) – 1 week
Summer Break – 9 weeks of summer from mid-June to mid-August
Paid school holidays according to the school calendar
Up to 2 additional days off for religious holidays
Accrue 11.5 days of Sick Time annually
Accrue 3 days of Personal Time annually Quality of Life and Appreciation
Monthly appreciation lunches
Twice-yearly Faculty/Staff Appreciation Events
Annual milestones luncheon
Free tickets to annual dinner/dance gala
Lunar New Year luncheon
Birthday gift card
TO APPLY
CAIS’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is central to our mission. People of color and LGBTQIA candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and list of references to middle_school_jobs@cais.org, attention: Joe Williamson. PLEASE NOTE: In the subject line indicate “7TH & 8TH GRADE SCIENCE.” In your cover letter, please reference how you learned of this opening. Please no calls.