Lower School Associate Teacher

The Nightingale-Bamford School•New York, NY

6d•$54,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Nightingale-Bamford School seeks Lower School Associate Teachers who are eager to grow as educators within a collaborative, reflective, and mission-driven community. This role is designed as an apprenticeship-style teaching experience, ideal for early-career educators who are deeply interested in child development and energized by working alongside experienced teachers to support joyful, rigorous learning. Associate Teachers are essential members of the classroom and grade-level team. In partnership with homeroom teachers, associates help design and deliver instruction, support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth, and contribute to the daily life of the Lower School. Through coaching, observation, collaboration, and hands-on practice, Associate Teachers develop the skills, habits, and professional judgment necessary for a strong foundation in teaching. Faculty at Nightingale are appointed on a one-year basis. Associates may remain in the role for up to two years, depending on performance and school needs.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree.
A minimum of two years of experience as an associate teacher in an elementary school setting or equivalent experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
The ability to problem-solve, take initiative, and prioritize effectively.
Cultural competence and the ability to work thoughtfully and respectfully across differences.

Responsibilities

Partner closely with homeroom teachers to create a positive, inclusive, and developmentally responsive classroom environment.
Support student learning through whole-group instruction, small-group work, and individual support.
Assist in planning, preparing, and organizing instructional materials and classroom resources.
Differentiate instruction and support a wide range of learners.
Step into a lead teaching role as needed.
Support instruction across all grade-level classes, including special subjects (e.g., computer science, music, SING, health).
Support students’ social and emotional growth using developmentally appropriate practices.
Assist with daily supervision, including lunch, transitions, recess, and rooftop play periods.
Foster skills such as communication, collaboration, creative thinking, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving.
Collaborate as a member of a grade-level teaching team to strengthen curriculum and instructional practice.
Serve as the lead associate for producing and maintaining the classroom newsletter or blog.
Participate in parent-teacher conferences and contribute to student term reports.
Engage fully in an apprenticeship-style professional learning model.
Attend regular meetings with Lower School faculty, division leaders, and fellow associates to reflect on practice and refine teaching skills.
Participate in weekly meetings and professional community gatherings.
Attend school events (e.g., curriculum nights, admissions events) and chaperone field trips as needed.
Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned by the Associate Division Head in support of the Lower School program.