2nd Grade Associate Teacher

Location: New York, NY (Upper East Side) • Full-time • Salary: $57,000 (1st year), $59,000 (2nd year)

About the role

The Town School, a nursery through 8th Grade co-educational school of 350 students, seeks an Associate Teacher for the 2026-27 school year. This position is ideal for new teachers who want to grow and learn under the mentorship of experienced teachers. Associate Teachers typically remain at Town for two years with a potential for a third year. Town embraces high academic and ethical standards for each student, guided by the school motto, “Let there be joy in learning.”

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with a Head Teacher to:
  • Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and effective classroom environment
  • Plan and implement a purposeful, balanced academic program in a nurturing environment
  • Understand and support students’ learning needs and differentiate instruction
  • Keep accurate and thorough records about students’ progress, including anecdotal records
• Communicate with colleagues across the grade, the division, and the School
• Communicate with families about individual students’ progress, including participation in Parent/Teacher conferences and assisting in the writing of midyear and year-end reports
• Meet regularly with the Head Teacher and Academic Specialist teachers to review Associate Teacher responsibilities, discuss teaching styles and techniques, and plan curriculum implementation
• Step into the Head Teacher role when necessary, ensuring continuity of instruction
• Collaborate with the Guidance Team and participate in all Guidance meetings
• Attend all employee, divisional, and committee meetings, and special events such as Back to School Night, The Farm Trip, and Field Day
• Continue to grow professionally through in-service training, workshops, and/or coursework
• Support the spirit of community at Town
• Embrace the School’s ethical motto of “Self, Others, and Surroundings”

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree; a degree in Education or relevant field preferred
• A strong passion for working with young learners; 1-3 years teaching experience in an elementary setting preferred
• Support for Town’s mission and values, and a demonstrated commitment to Town’s Statement on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Personal characteristics of an outstanding professional: warmth, empathy, discernment, strong organization skills, ability to hold confidential information, a good sense of humor

About The Town School

Mission: The Town School is committed to elementary co-education, serving students in nursery through eighth grade. As we embrace high academic and ethical standards for each student, we are guided by our school motto, “Joy with Purpose.” Town’s program balances the traditional and the innovative, emphasizing excellence in academics and a thorough exposure to the arts and physical education. We teach children to think creatively, read critically and reason logically, stressing the value of both individual learning and collaboration. We are committed to diversity, teaching students to be inclusive and to respect themselves and others. Students leave Town as well-rounded, articulate, resilient and morally responsible individuals. They are prepared to meet the challenges of a demanding secondary education and continue on the path of lifelong learning.

Educational Philosophy: We believe that the process of learning is as important as the result. Town builds on children’s natural curiosity and creativity, helping them discover and celebrate their strengths. In our nurturing and supportive environment, we challenge each student to take risks and persevere. The program enables students to experience success, increase self-confidence and develop individuality. Faculty and parents collaborate in support of each child’s growth. Town students develop social awareness through age-appropriate service within the school and the community at large. Students exercise responsibility and assume leadership roles as they learn to become involved citizens of the world.