ASSOCIATE TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION

An Associate Teacher means something specific in a K–12 classroom: the adult who keeps instruction moving when a lead teacher is absent, who pulls three students for small-group intervention while the lesson continues, and who tracks whether academic catch-up benchmarks are actually closing. That specificity matters. Schools serving students in underserved communities, where Common Core-aligned instruction must account for wide variation in reading and math levels, depend on this position to hold continuity across classrooms and grade levels. The Associate Teacher sits between Instructional Assistant and Teacher of Record on the career ladder, with direct access to coaching and a visible path toward a lead classroom.

As the Associate Teacher, you deliver differentiated instruction, manage small-group tutoring and intervention, and maintain student behavior standards that keep a K–12 classroom productive and equitable. You work under the supervision of a school principal or assistant head of school, collaborating daily with lead teachers, instructional coaches, and grade-level teams to ensure every student meets developmental and academic milestones.

Career Impact: Teaching under a structured coaching model while holding real instructional ownership accelerates the credentialing and classroom management experience required to reach a Teacher of Record position within one to two years.

Business Impact: When students in underresourced schools receive consistent small-group intervention and data-informed instruction, measurable academic recovery benchmarks close at rates that whole-class instruction alone cannot achieve.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to Common Core curriculum design, state assessment frameworks, and IEP-adjacent collaboration builds a skill set that transfers directly to lead teacher roles, instructional coaching, and curriculum specialist positions.

Company Value: Several employers in this group explicitly invest in promoting from within, assigning instructional coaches to associate teachers and expanding responsibilities as confidence and skill grow across the school year.

• Deliver small-group and one-on-one tutoring and intervention daily to support student academic catch-up and acceleration benchmarks.
• Develop lesson plans and supplementary instructional materials aligned to Common Core standards and social-emotional learning goals.
• Assess and analyze student performance data regularly to adjust instruction and ensure scholars are meeting developmental milestones.
• Provide short- and long-term substitute coverage across subject areas, including readiness to assume full teacher-of-record responsibilities when needed.
• Collaborate with lead teachers, instructional coaches, and school leadership to ensure curricular coherence and respond to student needs.
• Establish and maintain student behavior standards during instruction, transitions, and campus activities to support a productive learning environment.
• Engage in professional development cycles, receive coaching feedback, and apply adjustments to classroom practice between observation sessions.
• Conduct regular outreach to families and maintain open communication with parents, colleagues, and school leadership throughout the school year.

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field, or equivalent work experience toward an accredited teacher preparation program.
• 1 or more years of teaching experience or substantial instructional experience with students in a K–12 or comparable setting, with demonstrated classroom management competency.
• Valid state teaching permit, substitute credential, or active enrollment in a certification pathway required at hire or within a defined eligibility window.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver differentiated instruction to students across varied academic levels, including those in underserved or under-resourced communities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with students, families, school staff, and district-level stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze student performance data and translate findings into adjusted instructional strategies during the school week.
• Sound judgment in classroom decision-making and the organizational skill to manage lesson planning alongside administrative and coverage responsibilities.

• State teaching credential or active progress toward full certification, including coursework in elementary education, early childhood development, or a content area.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, Vietnamese, or another language spoken by the student population served by the school.
• Familiarity with structured curriculum frameworks such as Common Core-aligned scope and sequence or evidence-based intervention programs.
• Prior experience in a school explicitly serving students from historically underrepresented or low-income communities, with documented outcomes in academic recovery or acceleration.

• Student academic catch-up benchmark completion rate, measuring progress of intervention caseload toward grade-level targets.
• Small-group session delivery frequency per week, tracking consistency of structured tutoring against the assigned schedule.
• Coaching feedback implementation rate, reflecting how often observed improvement areas are applied before the next observation cycle.
• Substitute coverage reliability score, measuring availability and readiness when called for short- or long-term classroom coverage.
• Family outreach contact log completeness, tracking whether required communications with parents and guardians occur within defined windows.
• Typical tools: student information systems (commonly district-managed platforms); productivity and communication suites (commonly MS Office or Google Workspace).

• Base Salary Range: $36,000 to $52,000 annually, depending on location and credential status.
• Bonus: typically none at this level; some charter networks offer performance stipends.
• Equity: not applicable for K–12 school roles.
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage standard; district plans vary.
• PTO: follows school calendar; typically 10 to 15 days plus school holidays.
• Common Perks: professional development funding, coaching support, and pathways toward full teaching credential sponsorship.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. Employment in this role is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including criminal history review and, where required by state regulation, fingerprinting and sex offender registry clearance. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Consideration for employment is extended without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

The Associate Teacher delivers classroom support across instruction, assessment, and administrative functions within a KIPP Texas school, working under the direct supervision of a school leadership team member. Reporting to school leadership, the associate teacher enables student academic catch-up, recovery, and acceleration by providing daily one-on-one and small group tutoring alongside substitute and operational coverage.

Key Responsibilities

• Observe lead teachers and debrief on classroom management and instructional strategies.
• Encourage students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
• Provide substitute teaching coverage for teachers within the school.
• Provide administrative and/or operational support within the school.
• Support teachers in ensuring academic catch-up, recovery, and acceleration benchmarks are met for students.
• Teach small groups and provide one-on-one and small group tutoring and intervention daily.
• Assist teachers with instruction, assessments, grading, and other classroom responsibilities.
• Supervise students during transitions, breakfast, lunch, and recess.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Associate's degree required; Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• Ability to establish rapport with families and children, with a passionate and loving attitude toward all children.
• Independent self-starter with strong focus on student development and passion for working with underserved student populations and their families.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district.
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making and maintain effective working relationships internal and external to the district.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and general computer equipment including printers and copy machines.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with ability to work on both broad strategy and everyday details.
• Commitment to the vision, mission, values, and goals of KIPP Texas; responsiveness and follow-through with students, families, and faculty is essential.

Embedded within a community-based early childhood program, the Associate Teacher shapes individualized instruction and family engagement by maintaining program databases, conducting child development screenings, and supporting service integration across multiple sites. Working closely with supervisors and community partners, the Associate Teacher strengthens outcomes for young children and families by ensuring compliance with state and federal mandates and sustaining culturally responsive communication.

Core Functions

• Support planning activities that integrate service areas into the educational process and assist in implementing individualized instruction.
• Encourage children to explore, experiment, question, observe, and play.
• Utilize, monitor, and maintain program databases to accurately track child and family information; conduct screening and ongoing assessment of young children's development.
• Maintain staff and family confidentiality and ensure sufficient and proper supervision of all children at the site at all times.
• Encourage parent and community volunteerism and respond competently to the diverse cultures, traditions, lifestyles, languages, and values of each family.
• Attend all assigned training and meetings, and travel to other sites as assigned within the service area.
• Submit timely, accurate, and complete reports; comply with company, state, and federal mandates.
• Provide ongoing communication and information sharing with staff, parents, and community members.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, or actively pursuing a degree (minimum 1 class per year); CDA or enrollment in a CDA program to be completed within two years of hire is acceptable.
• Proficient with computer operations, preferably MS Office; strong organizational skills with sensitivity to details.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing; Spanish-speaking ability a plus.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to a personal vehicle with required liability insurance for business-related travel.
• Must be able to work at various sites under different supervisors and maintain a professional image in conduct, attitude, and attire; must be philosophically compatible with the mission of PACE.
• Annual TB test, national fingerprint check every three years, state criminal history and sex offender check every five years required; pre-employment drug test, physical examination, and recertification every four years required.
• Must be free from child abuse and neglect; must attend annual Mandated Reporter training as required.

Reporting to school or program leadership, the Associate Teacher builds a welcoming classroom culture and delivers effective group and individualized instruction grounded in the developmental needs of early childhood students. Partnering with the broader school community, the Associate Teacher supports the District's Shared Vision and Collective Commitments to advance positive learning outcomes for all students.

Primary Duties

• Exhibit a commitment to the District's Shared Vision and Collective Commitments.
• Create a welcoming and positive classroom culture and climate.
• Provide effective group and individualized instruction based on elements of effective early childhood instruction.
• Use appropriate motivational and classroom/behavior management for the age and skill level of students.
• Implement daily activities consistent with an understanding of the developmental needs of students.
• Utilize patience, judgment, and flexibility in dealing with students.
• Perform other functions as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, or CDA.
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold preferred.
• A passionate commitment to working with students, with demonstrated positive interpersonal relationships.
• Evidence of ability to establish positive working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a high level of professionalism.
• Exemplary organizational skills.

Sitting at the intersection of direct child care and family-centered program administration, the Associate Teacher supports the overall quality of children's educational experience within a CAPSLO child care center, working under the direction of the Center Supervisor and Teacher(s). Operating across classroom instruction, IEP/IFSP participation, bus safety, and center maintenance, the Associate Teacher ensures that all children are taught effectively and that all applicable laws, regulations, and policies are upheld daily.

Duties

• Support the Teacher(s) and Center Supervisor in carrying out responsibility for the overall quality of experience offered to children and families, ensuring laws, regulations, guidelines, and policies are adhered to daily.
• Assist in the safe supervision of children engaged in learning, play, and bus transportation activities, including boarding, riding, and exiting the bus.
• Participate in planning the overall education plan for the center, including weekly lesson plans, written observations, program individualization, and development of individual goals for each child.
• Assist in planning developmentally appropriate activities by collecting materials, providing input into lesson plans, and encouraging language development with children; conduct home visits and parent conferences as delegated.
• Participate in physical activities with children and aid in developing cognitive, physical, self-help, and one-to-one or small group skills; perform special exercises and follow-up therapy activities as needed.
• Assist with each child's IEP/IFSP as a member of a multi-disciplinary team; assist Teacher(s) in maintaining narrative records, anecdotal records, and daily charts; document parent contacts and child abuse reporting.
• Assume responsibility for center maintenance, orderliness, and cleanliness; perform housekeeping duties as required.
• Maintain confidentiality of records, serve as a Mandated Reporter of Child Abuse and Neglect, and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have completed 12 semester units ECE/CD with a grade of C or better, or hold a CDA Credential or CTC.
• Must hold or qualify for a current Associate Teacher Permit or higher within 60 days of hire; must renew and maintain a valid Children's Center Associate Teacher Permit at all times.
• Must hold a valid California Driver's License with dependable insured transportation and an acceptable driving record.
• Minimum 6 months of experience with children ages 0–5; experience with children with special needs is desirable.
• HS/EHS/MSHS/State-Braided Associate Teachers must meet at least one of the following: hold a CDA credential or equivalent, be enrolled in a CDA program to be completed within 2 years, or hold or be enrolled in an associate or baccalaureate degree program.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, and supervisory and administrative skills; must be self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be at least 18 years of age by date of hire and submit proof of current vaccination status for measles, pertussis, and influenza per SB 792.
• Must submit a Health Screening completed within the required timeframe and a current TB Skin test/Chest X-Ray; employment is contingent upon criminal history clearance (DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse) within seven days of Live Scan.
• Megan's Law clearance required at hire and checked annually; must attend annual or bi-annual State Licensing pre-approved Mandated Reporter Training per AB 1207.

A key member of the instructional team, the Associate Teacher builds scholar success by developing Common Core-aligned lesson plans, analyzing student performance data, and providing both short- and long-term classroom coverage across an urban school community. Collaborating with educational coaches, school leadership, and colleagues, the Associate Teacher advances equitable learning outcomes and sustains a positive campus culture grounded in high expectations and continuous professional growth.

Functions

• Develop lesson plans and supplementary materials to teach scholars.
• Teach curricula aligned to Common Core standards along with social and emotional skills.
• Assess and analyze students' performance and progress regularly, and respond to data to support all scholars in achieving academic success.
• Provide coverage inside and outside the classroom for absent teachers on a short- or long-term basis, and prepare to assume full-time teacher of record responsibilities if needed.
• Support school leadership team as needed and maintain open communication with families.
• Maintain a positive campus culture by building strong relationships with scholars and staff, and uphold a balance of warm and demanding communication.
• Establish and maintain standards of student behavior for a productive learning environment.
• Engage in professional development, receive and implement feedback from educational coaches, and seek opportunities to collaborate with and learn from colleagues.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Valid (or eligible for) California Substitute Teaching Permit required; California Teaching Credential preferred.
• Experience working with students and in classroom management, preferably in an under-resourced community.
• Collaborative, self-motivated, and reliable, with the ability to plan and execute tasks effectively; strong commitment to continuous professional development and ability to receive and implement feedback quickly.
• Bilingual in conversational Spanish or Vietnamese a plus.

Consistent student learning and curricular coherence depend on the Associate Teacher, who co-teaches with lead teachers, writes lesson plans, and provides substitute and maternity leave coverage within a culturally diverse elementary school committed to global education. Based within a school that actively seeks applications from underrepresented groups, the Associate Teacher supports instructional quality and positions educators new to teaching to grow into lead teacher roles.

Accountabilities

• Co-teach with lead teachers and provide in-house substitute and maternity leave coverage as needed.
• Write lesson plans and grade student work with support from lead teacher and leadership.
• Provide individual and small group student instruction.
• Participate fully in summer and school-year professional development and regular meetings with an instructional coach.
• Collaborate with faculty and instructional leaders to discuss student work and ensure curricular coherence.
• Demonstrate a desire to grow into a lead teacher position.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required; Master's degree preferred.
• Elementary teaching experience preferred; NYS certification or working toward certification required.
• Experience in state testing strongly preferred.
• Passion for elementary education and social-emotional development; strong commitment to all students with the belief that all students can learn and must be held to high academic standards.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; a person who believes in the critical importance of diversity in the life of a school.
• Legally authorized to work in the USA.

As the Associate Teacher, this role leads daily and weekly instructional planning tailored to individual kindergarten students, delivering instruction across large group, small group, and individualized formats under the supervision of the school principal. The Kindergarten team relies on this work to build a joyful, rigorous classroom climate and to develop instructional talent from within, with coaching support and a clear pathway to Lead Teacher.

Activities

• Plan and deliver weekly and daily instruction tailored to the needs of each child in large group, small group, and individualized formats.
• Regularly assess and analyze quantitative and qualitative student data to tailor responsive instruction and support.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to create an enriching, positive, joyful classroom climate with rigorous academic content.
• Collaborate with other teachers to practice skills and jointly problem solve.
• Conduct regular meetings with and outreach to families.
• Engage proactively with Parent Coaches, staff, and external health practitioners and partners.
• Participate in reflection and coaching sessions.

Background & Experience

• One to two years of teaching experience, or completion of a teacher preparation course or substantial instructional experience with students, preferably in a community similar to East Palo Alto.
• Fluent Spanish required.
• Deep commitment to social justice and proactive steps to build an equitable classroom practice.
• Parent- and family-centered mindset with ties to the community served.
• Internal candidate preferred.

Associate Teacher delivers differentiated instruction across Mathematics, Writing, Reading, and Social Studies for grades 1–6, working closely with the Assistant Head of School and grade-level instructors in a ten-month school year from August through June. The work directly supports student voice, creativity, and academic growth by contributing to lesson planning, professional development, and community engagement events across the school.

Operational Focus

• Attend campus by 8:00 a.m. daily to assist students and attend all assigned faculty and committee meetings.
• Participate regularly in professional development and support the school's strategic initiatives related to admission and advancement of mission.
• Work closely with the lead teacher to support all students daily in Mathematics, Writing, Reading, and Social Studies.
• Attend weekly lesson planning meetings with grade-level instructors.
• Support pick-up, drop-off, lunch, and recess coverage as assigned.
• Attend community events including chapel, open houses, and evening/afternoon student program events.

Education & Experience

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in elementary education or a related field.
• Designs equity-framed instruction with differentiated student assessment and learning.
• Comfortable with the use of technology in instruction.
• Proficiency in socio-emotional learning for children.
• Successfully applies growth-mindedness, honesty, high standards, and empathy to professional growth.

The Associate Teacher produces enriching learning experiences across multiple subjects in a trilingual classroom, collaborating with English and Chinese teaching teams to ensure developmentally appropriate outcomes for students aged 2–3. Reporting to school leadership, the Associate Teacher advances a culture of welcome, safety, and respect while building trust with families through strong relationship-centered communication.

Key Deliverables

• Assist in developing and teaching curriculum across multiple subjects in a trilingual classroom that engages all learners in meaningful, age-appropriate play cultivating 21st-century skills.
• Ensure all students achieve developmentally appropriate key learning outcomes, targeting instruction to address individual needs.
• Build a robust learning atmosphere that leads students to value school and feel part of a rigorous and joyful learning community.
• Collaborate closely with a team of English and Chinese teachers to continually improve student learning and school culture.
• Connect deeply with students and uphold a culture of welcome, safety, and respect.
• Inspire trust and confidence among parents and families through relationship building and strong spoken and written communication.

Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree or working toward a graduate degree in education, teaching, or a related field preferred.
• At least 3 years of teaching experience with students aged 2–3, with strong classroom management skills and expertise in differentiating instruction.
• Experience with play-based, developmentally appropriate, and experiential curriculum.
• Very resourceful and adaptive, with comfort using technology to communicate, collaborate, and enhance instruction.
• Highly effective collaborator, eager to listen deeply, contribute to a team, and achieve goals together; deep dedication to learning and developing as an educator.
• Full professional fluency in Spanish required.

Embedded within a licensed early childhood setting, the Associate Teacher develops play-based curriculum, uses milestone assessments to celebrate children's growth, and fosters a creative learning environment in collaboration with families and the broader community. Working with children across age groups, the Associate Teacher strengthens program quality and family connection while benefiting from ongoing professional development and a flexible range of full-time, part-time, and substitute scheduling options.

Areas of Ownership

• Create a play-based curriculum that is both fun and engaging.
• Use assessments to celebrate the milestones of children.
• Build an environment that fosters creativity and excitement.
• Share triumphs and successes with families and the community.
• Bring interests and talents to the collaborative drawing board.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Minimum 12 units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development or an Associate Teacher Permit (or higher) preferred.
• At least 6 months to 1 year of experience working with children in a licensed setting preferred.
• Ability to clear fingerprints/background check; ability to work with different age groups.
• Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.
• Full-time, part-time, and substitute teaching positions available; ongoing trainings and professional growth advisory provided.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, paid sick time, and paid holidays (benefits may vary based on part-time or full-time status); discounted childcare available.