Primary Associate Teacher

Fort Worth Country Day•Fort Worth, TX

About The Position

Fort Worth Country Day is looking to fill a Primary Associate Teacher position beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Reporting to the Head of Lower School, we are seeking applicants who will be actively engaged and involved beyond the classroom as a member of a family-centered, independent school community. This primary level position is designed to allow educators who are new to the teaching field to gain valuable experience in the classroom while mentoring with a grade level team. The Associate will become immersed in the unique culture of independent school life. Teaching and observation time for the Primary Associate will be split equally amongst the 1st or 2nd grade level classrooms each year in order to maximize Associate exposure to different student populations and lead teacher instruction styles.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, OR commitment to pursuing and completing a Bachelor's degree while employed at FWCD required
Early-career educator or new to the teaching profession (0–3 years of classroom experience) required
Genuine enthusiasm for working with primary-level students (grades 1–2) required
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents, and students required
Commitment to professional growth and willingness to learn from experienced educators required

Responsibilities

The Associate will assume all duties typically assigned to Primary Assistants:
Seasonally decorate the foyer and halls in collaboration with colleagues
Work with individual children or small groups of children, eventually leading lessons in the homerooms
Assume the role of lead teacher whenever the lead teacher is out of the classroom
Perform all designated duties, including morning/afternoon carpool, lunch duty, and recess each day
Maintain communication with other Associates regarding the delegation of duties
Arrive daily by 7:45 am and stay until necessary responsibilities and planning are completed
The Associate will participate in the Teacher Induction Program (TIP). The Associate will report to school for the first year’s week of TIP, the week before regular faculty return to school. The Associate will then meet with the grade level team before students return to school to debrief about the TIP experience.
The Associate will attend the ISAS (Independent School Association of the Southwest) Beginning Teacher Institute for 3 days in the Fall.
The Associate will complete a book study under the guidance of the grade level team and when needed, support from the Academic Support Coordinator, Assistant Head of Lower School, and/or the Lower School Counselor.
The Associate will fully participate in meetings, trainings, and other responsibilities associated with being a lead teacher.
Attend all monthly divisional faculty meetings and school-wide meetings and trainings
Attend scheduled weekly meetings with grade level team
Participate in lesson planning and development under the guidance of the grade level team
Assess students in language arts and mathematics
Complete a minimum of one day of observation in other primary classrooms in the fall and spring semesters. The Associate will debrief with the observed teacher and grade level team after each observation
Participate in Fall and Spring parent conferences under guidance of grade level team
Participate in narrative comment writing for progress notes and reports cards under guidance of grade level team
The Associate will engage in self-assessment and goal setting. The Associate will videotape a lesson each year, and along with the grade level team, examine and critique the lesson. The Associate’s grade level team will provide guidance and feedback regarding performance and progress, but will not be involved in the formal evaluation of the Associate. The Assistant Head of Lower School will evaluate the Associate using current evaluative systems at FWCD.
The Associate will be an active participant in the life of FWCD by attending various school functions (afternoon, evening, and weekend). Such functions include Back-to-School Night at the football game, Lower School Carnival, and Bingo. Whenever appropriate, the Associate will also coach and/or teach an after-school enrichment class for a stipend.
The grade level team serves as advocates, supporters, and instructional coaches for the Primary Associate. The grade level team builds a trusting relationship by being the “Guides on the Side” and will not serve in an evaluative capacity. Grade level team members will divide mentoring opportunities and responsibilities amongst the team so that the Associate is able to receive guidance, feedback, and encouragement from a wealth of experience.
Must be able to walk students to and from lunch, PE, art, music, etc. each day
Bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, lifting
Embody, model and communicate the School’s mission and core values (respect, responsibility, kindness, courage, integrity and scholarship)
Exhibit generous community spirit, professional flexibility, a sense of humor and a positive attitude
Collaborate and work well with colleagues, parents and students
Execute duties in a positive and punctual manner
Be an enthusiastic lifelong learner driven toward professional self-improvement and personal growth