Lower School Associate Teacher

Lower School Associate Teacher

School Year: 2026–2027
Division: Lower School
Reports to: Associate Division Head, Lower School
Role type: Full-time, one-year appointment (renewable for a maximum of two years)

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.

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.

Who You Are

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.

What You’ll 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’ll 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.

SALARY

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, this position's annual salary range is $54,000 - $60,000. When extending an offer, Nightingale considers factors such as (but not limited to) the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, and market and organizational considerations.

HOW TO APPLY 

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a cover letter and resume online at https://www.nightingale.org/careers. 

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’s commitment to social justice and anti-racism requires that all community members engage actively and thoughtfully in work around diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates with broad and diverse backgrounds. 

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, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, 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. The School prohibits retaliation against any employee who in good faith makes a report under this policy.