Tessellations is a blossoming progressive K-8 non-profit school for gifted learners based in Cupertino, CA. Our mission is to provide challenging experiential education that recognizes and nurtures the individual strengths of gifted learners, empowering them to confidently express who they are and pursue a meaningful life. At Tessellations, community is a core value, as it is the reason our small and mighty school was able to form and thrive. Our team consists of passionate, qualified and dedicated staff from diverse backgrounds and includes a nationally renowned gifted expert. 

Tessellations School is seeking a School Counselor/SEL Specialist who will support the health and wellbeing of our K-8th grade students. We are currently accepting applications from qualified candidates who are interested in a full time position, part time position, or either. The School Counselor/SEL Specialist will play a critical role in evolving and sustaining the school’s approach to social emotional learning, working proactively and responsively to care for the needs of the community.

Responsibilities:

• Support the effective and consistent implementation of the school’s commitment to gifted education and developmentally responsive teaching, based on curricula and evidence of best practices shared by Responsive Classroom as well as other curricular and instructional resources shared by Zones of Regulation.
• Coach teachers in applying knowledge of child development and asynchrony to meet the needs of a wide range of learners.
• Partner with the Student Support Team to address the sometimes challenging and complex ways children show up to school.
• Actively participate in a collaborative staff culture that is committed to being at the leading edge of K-8 gifted education.
• Report to the Assistant Head of School.
• Communicate and meet with families as necessary to support student wellbeing.
• When appropriate, liaise between school and children’s outside service providers.
• Work with the Administrative Team to support and provide family education programming connected to social emotional learning and health.
• Serve as a leading voice in implementing Zones of Regulation and Responsive Classroom practices in K - 8th grade, consulting with teachers and students around restorative conversations to help resolve conflicts within the Tessellations community.
• Meet with students of any age, as individuals or in small groups, as needed to address social and emotional needs.

Qualifications:

• A love of elementary and middle school children
• Master’s degree in counseling, a related field or job related experience 
• Experience in a school setting preferred
• Experience with gifted children encouraged
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and learning in a diverse, dynamic, 21st century school community
• Desire and ability to work in a collegial, highly collaborative environment
• A growth mindset and excellent organizational and communication skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in communication with students, parents, mental health professionals, and colleagues
• Flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of students, teachers, and families as they occur on campus