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A rich academic environment, state-of-the-art facilities, abundant support and resources, and a commitment to supporting our students to and through college - these are just a few reasons Making Waves Academy is an exceptional place to work. Come join our growing team!

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1

School

79

Teachers

1,000+

Wave-Makers

952

Graduates

Application Process

Your Path to Making Waves Academy

We value your time and are committed to a clear, thoughtful, and inclusive hiring process designed to find the best talent to support our students.

STEP 1: Application Submission

Submit an application on our careers page for any position that fits your skillset and experience.

STEP 2: Talent Team Initial Call/Interview 15-20’

Candidates invited to an initial interview will meet with a member of our Talent Team via Zoom. This is your chance to discuss your interest in Making Waves Academy and highlight the relevant skills and experiences you bring to the role and our school. Interviews will last 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the specific position.

STEP 3: Hiring Manager Interview

Hiring manager interviews take place via Zoom and typically last about 45 to 60 minutes. This is your opportunity to get to know your future manager and to learn more about the specifics of the role. This is also a great time to ask position-specific questions to help you determine if the role is a good fit for you.

STEP 4: Hiring Task And Pre-employment Assessment

Candidates may be asked to complete a hiring task and/or a pre-employment assessment. Some roles may also require completion of an in-person hiring task.

Hiring tasks at MWA are designed to help us assess your skills and to help you get a better understanding of the role you're applying for. The assessment typically takes 15 to 25 minutes to complete and is designed to get to know you better and assess your fit for the role and our team. Hiring task time commitments and content vary by role.

STEP 5: Hiring Manager Interview

Hiring manager interviews take place via Zoom and typically last about 45 minutes. This is your opportunity to get to know your future manager and to learn more about the specifics of the role. This is also a great time to ask position-specific questions to help you determine if the role is a good fit for you.

STEP 6: In-Person Interview and Campus TOur

Candidates who successfully complete the hiring manager interview will be invited to an interview at our school. During your time on campus, you will meet with a panel of MWA staff members and also take a tour of our campus.

STEP 7: reference Checks

Before making an offer, our team will request contact information for three professional references (two current/former supervisors and one colleague).

STEP 8: Offer

If an offer is being extended, our Talent Team will first call you with a verbal offer. Then, you will receive a written offer from MWA's People Operations Department. Once you accept the written offer, we will begin the onboarding process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of benefits does MWA offer?

Making Waves Academy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package this is nearly unparalleled in the San Francisco Bay Area. Highlights include:

Competitive compensation: salaries that are above market & opportunities for stipends for additional responsibilities.
Employees' children are eligible to attend our school
Fully paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits. Employee assistance program (EAP) & online therapy
Job security for qualified educators
Professional development opportunities & tuition assistance program
Strong retirement plans: CalSTRS & 403(b)
Supportive work environment: strong leadership that provides the necessary support and resources, a positive school culture and a sense of community, collaborative opportunities with peers, and effective mentoring programs, particularly for new teachers.
Work-life balance: manageable workloads, ample paid time off for personal and professional needs, and access to mental health resources.

For more details, visit our benefits and compensation page.

What are the requirements for employment at MWA?

At Making Waves Academy, we look for faculty and staff who are passionate about educational equity and deeply committed to our mission and core values.

In addition, all employees must meet these mandatory requirements set by the state of California:

Background Clearance
Valid authorization to work in the U.S.
Current TB test or Risk Assessment

Requirements for Teachers and Instructional Leaders

Bachelor’s Degree
California Single or Multi-Subject Teaching Credential in an applicable content area OR current/eligible enrollment in a CTC-approved educator preparation program
English Learner Authorization Certificate (CLAD/BCLAD)
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Certificate of Clearance (COC)
Teaching experience is ideal, but related work experience will also be considered

Where can I view open roles?

How often are applications reviewed?

We use different review processes to ensure thoroughness, efficiency, and fairness for all candidates.

1. Faculty Roles (Teaching Positions)

Process: We use a structured, scheduled timeline with predetermined application deadlines and milestones. This ensures a consistent and fair process for every teaching candidate.
Timeline: Applications are reviewed promptly upon receipt, and candidates progress according to the posted Faculty Application Deadlines and interview schedules.

2. Non-Faculty Roles (Staff Positions)

Process: Applications are reviewed as they are received (rolling basis).
Timeline: You should expect to hear from our Talent Team about next steps within 1–2 weeks or less.

Can I submit an application to multiple positions?

How should I prepare for my initial interview?

How long does the application process take?

At Making Waves Academy, we pride ourselves on a thorough recruitment process designed to find exceptional talent perfectly suited to support our school community.

As an applicant, you can anticipate an inclusive process that includes stages such as an initial screening, hiring manager interview, hiring task, panel interview, and reference checks.

Faculty Hiring Timelines - The teacher hiring process typically takes 4-5 weeks. Details about current faculty hiring timelines and application deadlines can be found on our Teach at Making Waves Academy page.

Non-Faculty Hiring Timelines - Our team reviews non-faculty applications on a rolling basis as applications are received. Typically, our multi-step process takes a few weeks; however, this is subject to change based on the number of applicants for a given role, mutual availability, and timely completion of tasks.

Making Waves Academy (MWA or the School) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is the policy of the School to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified individuals. This commitment ensures that all applicants and employees are treated fairly in a professional and respectful environment.

MWA prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all aspects of the employment relationship, including hiring, training, transfer, promotion, discipline, termination, compensation, and benefits.

This protection is extended regardless of an individual’s actual or perceived:

Race, Color, or Ancestry, National Origin or Nationality (including immigration status and primary language), Religious Creed or affiliation, Sex/Gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), Gender Identity or Gender Expression, Sexual Orientation, Physical or Mental Disability, Medical Condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), Marital Status, Age (40 and above), Military or Veteran Status, Genetic Information, Association with a person or group with one or more of these protected characteristics.

Process for Requesting Accommodation

Contact: Any applicant or employee requiring an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job should contact the People Operations Department. Specify Need: The individual should clearly specify the accommodation needed or describe the job duties impaired by the disability. Review & Implementation: The School will engage in an interactive process to identify barriers, determine possible reasonable accommodations, and implement the accommodation if it is reasonable and does not impose an undue hardship.

Inquiries and Reporting

Inquiries, complaints, or grievances regarding Equal Employment Opportunity or accommodations should be directed immediately and confidentially to: peopleoperations@mwacademy.org.