Kindergarten Associate Teacher
The Philadelphia School (TPS) is seeking candidates for a full-time Kindergarten Associate Teachers for the 2024-2025 academic year. We are a Preschool - 8 progressive, independent school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with an enrollment of 410 students. Since our founding in 1972, The Philadelphia School has grown in size, complexity, and diversity. This growth has been rooted firmly in the progressive values with which our founders began: immersive learning, responsive pedagogy, and meaningful engagement with the world. The Philadelphia School seeks educators with a deep interest in social justice and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Position Summary:
Associate teachers play an important and collaborative role in the classroom. They work directly with students, classroom teachers, and specialists to plan and support implementation of the curricula. Our early childhood center was designed specifically for our youngest students. It has light-filled classrooms, direct access to a large, nature-based play yard, raised garden beds, a kitchen, and an adjacent multipurpose building. There are two lead teachers and an associate teacher in each early childhood classroom. The role of the associate is intended to provide additional support while building their own capacity as an early childhood educator. Associate teachers will be given specific responsibility for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate explorations with the Seed-to-Table program weekly.
The Associate Teacher Role is a 1-3 year entry-level position, designed for individuals seeking experience and training in a classroom setting as they consider future roles in education or related fields. During their tenure, Associate Teachers are offered support and opportunity for ongoing professional development and training, both in and out of school, to this end.
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with other teachers, the learning resource team, and specialists to meet the needs of diverse learners and to develop an engaging thematic curriculum
Build respectful, supportive, and culturally sensitive relationships with students and their families
Deliver progressive and intentional instruction with the mentoring of lead teachers, specifically in the areas of Spanish language exposure and gardening
Support lead teachers in planning, preparation, and instruction
Participate in school wide initiatives (Family Circles, All- School Theme, etc.)
Attend required faculty meetings
Engage in ongoing professional development and growth
Application Process:
Qualified candidates should visit our website and apply under Employment Opportunities. For full consideration please provide a cover letter tailored specifically to your interest in and alignment with our school program, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Salary commensurate with experience.
EOE Statement:
The Philadelphia School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Philadelphia School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Philadelphia School complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The Philadelphia School expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of The Philadelphia School employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including employment termination.
Americans with Disabilities (ADA)
We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws to ensure fair treatment of all applicants and employees. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact our HR department at humanresourcesoffice@tpschool.org.
BA required- Preference given to those who have experience working with younger learners and have completed coursework in a related field of study
Spanish fluency a plus
An interest in progressive philosophy and teaching methods
Growing understanding of child development, including the social, emotional, and intellectual domains
Familiarity with or interest in some of our core resources and methodologies: Outdoor Education, Responsive Classroom, the Project Approach, Reggio philosophies
Strong interpersonal and communication skills at both parent and student levels