Lower School Associate Teacher (2026-2027)

School Mission: University School inspires boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Our dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, creative, and moral excellence. University School is a diverse and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved.

Job Description: This is an opportunity for individuals early in their teaching career to play a significant role in a Lower School classroom (Junior Kindergarten - Grade 2) centered on integrated thematic learning. We are looking for committed individuals who bring their life experiences and knowledge into the classroom to enrich the lives of our students and our community. This is a unique opportunity to join an engaged and creative staff dedicated to the education of boys.

The Associate Teacher will work in a Junior Kindergarten - Second-grade classroom alongside a Lead Teacher. The role of the Associate Teacher provides an opportunity for one to two years in a classroom with the Lead Teacher as a mentor. The Associate Teacher collaborates with and supports the Lead Teacher in classroom management, planning, and working with students.

Lead Teachers/Mentors will provide experience and guidance to lead and support Associate Teachers in instructional, curricular, behavioral, and educational issues, enhancing their classroom experience and professional development. The Associate Teacher models professional standards and commitment as they teach and perform other duties in the school.

We expect all faculty members to embody the mission statement of the school each day and to grow professionally as teachers, coaches, and members of the school community.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with students in whole group, small group, and individual teaching formats; collaborating with team members, and differentiating instructional approaches and assessments.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues through effective communication and commitment to the school community. 
• Support and assist the Lead teacher in taking anecdotal notes on individual students
• Conduct some lessons (morning meetings, literature groups, number talks, math, etc.)
• Support the lead teacher with classroom management
• Assist in the organization of field trips and chaperone field trips
• Attend all team meetings and faculty meetings
• Attend parent/teacher conferences
• Prepare bulletin boards, Friday folders, and make copies as needed
• Participate in the life of the school outside the classroom
• Be available for Theme Share (after school, evenings, and/or weekends)
• Active participant of the admission committee, providing feedback and evaluating prospective students (may occur on several Saturdays through the academic year)
• Learn and then implement Responsive Classroom techniques and training as a foundation for classroom expectations
• Collaborate with grade-level colleagues and engage in school conversations about best practices in subject-area instruction
• Collaborate with divisional colleagues about student needs, learning plans, and age-appropriate best practices
• Contribute to the extracurricular life of the school
• Escort boys to and from special classes
• Supervise non-academic activities, including lunch, recess, dismissal, and grade-level field trips
• Support divisional and school-wide initiatives through committee work, where appropriate
• Other appropriate duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher, Division Director, or Head of School

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in education and student teaching experience. Individuals who are newly graduated and actively pursuing licensure are encouraged to apply; an active teaching license is preferred but not required. Please send a resume, three references, and a cover letter to Human Resources. 

University School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or military status, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Employment decisions at the School are based on merit, qualifications, and skills.