Lower School Associate Teacher

The Opportunity

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.

Associate Teachers work closely with homeroom teachers and grade-level teams in a highly collaborative environment. The Lower School faculty values shared responsibility, open communication, and reflective practice. You will be supported by division leaders and colleagues who are deeply invested in mentorship, professional growth, and the well-being of both students and adults.

You are someone who believes deeply in children and in the power of excellent teaching. You bring curiosity, humility, and a strong desire to learn into your work each day.

• You likely recognize yourself in many of the following:
• You are committed to Nightingale’s mission and to the school’s ongoing work around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. You understand that this work is both personal and collective, and you engage in it thoughtfully and actively.
• You are energized by working with children and are attentive to their academic, social, and emotional development.
• You value collaboration and seek feedback, knowing that growth as an educator comes from reflection, coaching, and practice.
• You take initiative, follow through on responsibilities, and approach your work with professionalism, care, and integrity.
• You are organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced school environment.
• You communicate clearly and respectfully with students, colleagues, and families.
• You bring warmth, flexibility, and a sense of humor to your work and value these qualities in others.

• 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…