Founding Kindergarten Teacher

Jabali Academy (JA), an innovative K–8 school opening its doors in fall 2026, is seeking a visionary, authentic, educator, culturally grounded in the African diaspora, to serve as its Founding Kindergarten Teacher. This transformative role represents a unique opportunity to help build an educational environment where young minds develop a strong sense of identity through deep engagement with Pan-African history, culture, and contemporary life.

JA’s mission is to create a nurturing, academically rigorous learning community where children from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds can see themselves reflected in their education while developing into independent, globally-minded citizens who understand and celebrate their heritage. The Founding Kindergarten Teacher at JA will work in close partnership with Founder and Head of School, Dr. Carroll, to shape the critical first year of Jabali Academy’s program.

This educator will play an integral role in bringing to life the school’s vision of an expanded education that combines academic excellence with cultural enrichment, helping to establish an environment where school feels like home while maintaining high academic standards. The ideal candidate will share JA’s commitment to fostering self-discovery, independence, and a deep understanding of Pan-African perspectives while creating engaging learning experiences that meet each student where they are. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Jabali Academy is an entrepreneurial, start-up venture where the Founding Kindergarten Teacher will help shape the pre-launch, launch, and successful growth and development of a concept and program that will have an indelible impact on its students, faculty, and local community. With that in mind, the Founding Kindergarten Teacher will partner with the Head of School to: • Design an academically challenging and globally- and culturally-minded Kindergarten curriculum, including scope and sequence • In consultation with other academic professionals, begin to develop the scope and sequence for the K–8 academic program • Continue to manifest, hone, and iterate on the vision of JA as it grows over time from the inaugural Kindergarten class through to the full K–8 enrollment • Transition JA from the start-up phase to the operational phase • Enroll the inaugural Kindergarten class with a goal of 15 students • Grow awareness of the school by sharing and championing its mission and vision • Build meaningful and authentic relationships within and around the city of Inglewood • Support the school’s path toward WASC accreditation by partnering with the Head of School on developing the necessary policies, documentation, and quality standards required QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Pan-African Studies, or a related field (teaching certification preferred) • A minimum of 5 years of proven experience as a kindergarten teacher, ideally with a demonstrated background in Pan-African studies or experience teaching diverse cultural perspectives • Strong understanding of early childhood development and age-appropriate teaching practices • Previous experience setting up and observing playgroups for admissions evaluation • Knowledgeable in Pan-African history, culture, and contributions and able to translate this into meaningful learning for young children You can see the complete job description here: https://www.strategenius.org/opportunity-jabali-academy-founding-kindergarten-teacher To apply, you must put your cover letter, resume, educational philosophy, and the names and contact information of 5 references in one, singular pdf document (don't send separate documents) and upload them here: https://airtable.com/app5nnDcwzFw7vJ1d/shrR4I7gffmVSRxxt Applications submitted through LinkedIn will not be considered