What are the responsibilities and job description for the full-Time Associate Teacher position at The Common School?
Full-Time Associate Teacher
The Common School – Amherst, MA
Are you an enthusiastic and dedicated educator eager to immerse yourself in a progressive, student-centered learning environment? The Common School, a vibrant Nursery through 6th-grade school in Western Massachusetts, seeks a full-time Associate Teacher to work closely with a classroom Head Teacher in fostering a dynamic, inclusive classroom experience.
About The Common School:
Nestled within 140 acres of picturesque conservation land, The Common School offers an engaging, hands-on educational experience that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship. Our mission is to cultivate compassionate learners through a transformative, joyful, progressive education.
Position Overview:
The Associate Teacher will work closely with the classroom Head Teacher to implement a rich, integrated curriculum that meets students’ developmental and academic needs. This role offers the opportunity to lead small group instruction, actively contribute to curriculum planning, and create a nurturing classroom environment where students feel valued and inspired to learn.
Key Responsibilities
● Collaborate in planning and delivering a dynamic, developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and deep engagement.
● Lead daily small group literacy and math lessons, adapting instruction to support a range of learners.
● Document student progress and participation to guide curriculum development and assessment.
● Foster a classroom culture emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
● Engage students in hands-on, thematic studies that connect learning to the real world. ● Supervise students during transitions, outdoor play, lunch, and other daily activities.
● Take the lead in classroom instruction when the Head Teacher is absent.
● Maintain open, thoughtful communication with students, colleagues, and caregivers.
● Communicate and maintain high standards for classroom management using active supervision, and positive and restorative approaches.
● Attend and contribute to faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and school-wide events.
Qualifications Preferred:
● Master’s degree in education or a related field.
● Massachusetts Licensure
● 2 years of teaching experience in early childhood or elementary education. ● Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and progressive pedagogy.
● Strong skills in collaboration, adaptability, and communication.
Salary range: $33,000 - $43,000, commensurate with experience.
How to Apply:
We seek candidates who will contribute to the racial, cultural, and gender diversity of our school community. As part of our anti-bias hiring process, applicants are asked to follow these steps:
1. Submit a letter of interest
2. Provide a resume
3. Submit a written response to the equity, inclusion, and social justice statement below*
4. Send a blind copy of all three items (with contact information removed) Email materials to Hiring@commonschool.org
* The Common School is committed to social justice, critical thinking, and compassion for others. We strive to ensure that our community of students, families, and staff actively contributes to a caring and equitable environment. Please describe any personal background, training, work, or other experience that demonstrates your ability to help us achieve this goal.
Join us in shaping a learning community where children are empowered to explore, question, and grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens!
Salary : $33,000 - $43,000