3-5 Assistant Teacher

About the Role

The Assistant Teacher is a benefits-eligible, full-time position spanning the ten-month school year, typically from August to June. Reporting directly to the Principal, this role is integral to supporting a flexible program and class environment that fosters learning and personal growth. Working closely with Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers build strong rapport with students, motivating them to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge tailored to their individual abilities.

The position is designed for an educator who thrives in a dynamic setting, engaging with students for at least 75% of the workday while dedicating the remainder to preparation and collaboration. The role extends beyond the classroom, requiring active participation in recess, morning routines, rest time, carpool, and lunch duties. In the absence of the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher assumes full leadership responsibilities.

A core aspect of this position is the integration of the outdoors into the educational experience. Assistant Teachers are expected to seek opportunities to teach outside and bring nature into the classroom, utilizing experiential learning and leadership development through emotional intelligence. This includes the ability to work enthusiastically in various weather conditions and terrains, from grass and dirt to pavement and concrete.

Our Community and Culture

We celebrate diversity and are proactively inclusive of all racial, cultural, socio-economic, religious, and gender groups. Our culture is built on the four domains of Responsive Classroom: Engaging Academics, Positive Community, Effective Management, and Developmentally Responsive Teaching. We foster a healthy, collegial environment where collaboration is key to building curricula and ensuring everyone is informed of changes and initiatives.

We embrace feedback and a culture of continuous improvement. Assistant Teachers are expected to demonstrate self-awareness, understanding the school's vision, mission, and strategic plan while actively promoting the organization's core values. This includes a commitment to ongoing learning, such as participating in summer reading programs and professional development opportunities.

Application and Hiring Process

Candidates must be willing and able to utilize personal smartphones to communicate and collaborate via school apps. The selection process involves a review of qualifications, including a Bachelor's degree and experience working with elementary-aged children. Preference is given to those with knowledge of Project-based learning (PBL), outdoor education, and inquiry-based, student-centered learning.

Selected candidates will be expected to volunteer for service at one or more Fay community events per year and commit to ongoing professional growth, including participating in at least eight hours of summer professional development.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse community. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, ensuring a welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff.