Walla Walla, Washington
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Vineland, New Jersey
San Francisco, California
Fort Worth, Texas
Posted: 29-Jan-26
Location: New York, New York
Type: Full Time
School Year: 2026–2027
Division: Lower School
Reports to: Associate Head of Lower School
Role type: Full-time, one-year appointment (renewable for a maximum of two years)
The Opportunity
The Lower School Associate Teacher role at The Nightingale-Bamford School offers a meaningful opportunity for motivated educators committed to growth within a reflective, purposeful, and supportive community. Designed as an apprenticeship-style teaching experience, this position is ideal for early-career educators with a strong interest in child development and a natural curiosity and eagerness to learn, approaching each classroom experience as an opportunity to grow through close partnership with experienced teachers while supporting joyful, intellectually engaging learning.
Associate Teachers are integral members of classroom and grade-level teams. In close collaboration with homeroom teachers, associates contribute to planning and delivering instruction, support students’ academic, social, and emotional development, and engage fully in the daily life of the Lower School. Associates take initiative in their responsibilities, approaching their work with care, professionalism, and a proactive mindset. Through coaching, observation, collaboration, and sustained, hands-on practice, Associate Teachers develop the skills, professional habits, and reflective judgment essential for building a strong foundation in teaching. They bring warmth, flexibility, and a sense of humor to their work, creating a positive and responsive classroom environment.
This work is grounded in warmth, flexibility, and a sense of humor, contributing to classrooms that support both learning and belonging for young students.
Associate Teachers typically remain in the role for two years.
Your Team
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.
What You Will Do
Classroom & Instructional Support (Primary)
- 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).
Student Care & Supervision
- 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.
Collaboration & Communication
- 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.
Professional Learning & Community Engagement
- 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 nights, admissions events) and chaperone field trips as needed.
Other Responsibilities
- Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned by the Associate Division Head in support of the Lower School program.
What You Will Bring
- A bachelor’s degree.
- A minimum of two years of experience as an associate teacher in an elementary school setting or equivalent experience.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
- The ability to problem-solve, take initiative, and prioritize effectively.
- Cultural competence and the ability to work thoughtfully and respectfully across differences.
About The Nightingale-Bamford School
Founded by two bold, visionary educators in 1920, The Nightingale-Bamford School’s mission is to inspire girls to go beyond barriers. Tied to this mission is a broader vision of students who are joyful learners who have the intellectual depth and courage to be critical thinkers, compassionate citizens, and agents of their own lives. Nightingale educates girls’ minds and hearts and, in so doing, infuses their lives with meaningful relationships, teaching them to value difference as a means of growth and empowering them to question the status quo with confidence, empathy, resilience, and reason. Nightingale is deeply committed to cultivating a community rooted in belonging and inclusion, the foundations of excellent teaching and learning. We expect all community members to engage thoughtfully and responsibly in this work. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of the School to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The School’s employment practices and decisions adhere to the principles of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity. This commitment to equal opportunity applies to and is reflected in all School activities, including, but not limited to, recruiting, interviewing, hiring, staffing, training, promotions, compensation practices, employee benefits, social programs, discipline, and termination of employment. The School maintains zero tolerance for violations of this policy and expects all employees to abide by and support this policy without reservation.