Lower School Associate Teacher

As an independent K-8 day school rooted in the Episcopal tradition, The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine educates students to become articulate, confident, and responsible citizens of the world through vigorous academics, innovative approaches to learning, and the nurturing of their aspirations in a diverse community of all religious and non-religious affiliations. Founded in 1901, The Cathedral School is committed to academic excellence in a curriculum that integrates critical thinking, the arts, athletics, and leadership development. The School believes that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race, socioeconomic status, cultural or religious tradition, age, gender, ability, or sexual orientation enhance the individual’s sense of identity and broaden respect for others. Through curriculum and informal school experiences, students at The Cathedral School come to understand the inherent value of all people and the importance of working towards equity in all that they do. The School’s mission is brought to life on the idyllic 11-acre campus of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights on Manhattan’s Upper West Side through seven Core Values: Cooperation, Courage, Integrity, Kindness, Passion for Learning, Respect, and Responsibility.

In addition to receiving competitive salary and benefits, full-time Cathedral employees are eligible for tuition remission for their children upon admission to the School.

Associate Teachers are an integral part of the teaching team at The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine. An Associate Teacher works with Head Teachers to participate fully in the life of the school. Associate Teachers are teachers-in-training, or prospective teachers, who may or may not yet have full-time classroom experience but are qualified to work with children in a classroom context based on previous experience and/or other skills. Associate Teachers are hired on a yearly basis with a maximum of three years in this role.

An Associate Teacher’s responsibilities include collaborating with the Head Teachers in all classroom duties, both academic and organizational. These responsibilities include planning and implementing curriculum, teaching specific lessons, developing and participating in classroom management, observing and assessing students’ progress, helping complete paperwork, and general upkeep of the classrooms. While the Head Teachers have final decision-making responsibility, Associate Teachers should be involved in planning all aspects of the curriculum. Associate Teachers should be open to working collaboratively with other teachers to teach and eventually take a leading role in planning and teaching one to two subjects. In support of The Cathedral School's mission, Associate Teachers must be willing and prepared to view curriculum and classroom culture through a lens focused on equity and justice.

Through frequent conversation and regular meetings, specific responsibilities and tasks are designated to each Associate Teacher for completion. Associate Teachers participate in family-teacher conferences and collaborate with the Head Teachers in preparing written comments for each child sent to families twice a year. It is of the utmost importance that Associate Teachers work with Head Teachers in planning family interactions so that any messages are clear, and so that parents understand that the Head Teachers and Associate Teacher communicate frequently regarding each child.

Lastly, Associate Teachers participate fully in the life of the school. This includes attending faculty meetings and other school events, conferring with colleagues regarding teaching strategies and curricula, covering other classes when emergencies arise, and being part of each “duty” roster that applies to their division areas (lunch, recess, dismissal, et cetera).

Associate Teacher Hiring Range: $60,000-$65,000