1st and 2nd Grade Associate Teachers

The Dalton School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 66,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dalton School in Manhattan’s Upper East Side seeks full-time 1st and 2nd Grade Associate Teachers for the 2026-2027 school year, beginning September 2026. Associates collaborate with Head Teachers, plan and lead lessons, assess student needs, and support daily classroom operations within the First Program.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s degree and are pursuing graduate study in Elementary or Early Education, with strong communication skills, a passion for young learners, and a commitment

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; progress toward advanced degree preferred.
• Lower School experience strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with technology and classroom tools.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
• Commitment to inclusion and diverse learning needs.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead small group or whole-class lessons.
• Assess and document students’ needs and progress.
• Support Head Teacher in classroom management and daily operations.
• Attend Curriculum Night, grade meetings, conferences, and professional sessions.
• Write student progress reports each trimester.
• Supervise lunch, recess, and dismissal duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lesson planning

Student assessment

Excellent writing

Communication

Organizational skills

Technology proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary/Early Education

Advanced degree pursuit in Elementary/Early Education

Job description

Salary Range:

$66,000 - $69,000. The position on the scale will be based on years of teaching experience and education.

Exemption Status:

Exempt

The Dalton School, a progressive K-12 gender-inclusive school in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is consistently recognized as one of the preeminent independent day schools in the nation. Known for its child-centered approach and an exceptional, inspiring faculty, Dalton enrolls over 1,300 students with approximately 350 faculty and staff. Guided by the Dalton Plan, the foundation of a Dalton education, our faculty meets each student’s evolving needs, interests, and abilities. Dalton challenges each student to develop intellectual independence, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility toward others both within the School and in the broader community.

We are seeking full-time 1st and 2nd Grade Associate Teachers for the2026-2027 school year, starting in September 2026.

The Associate Teacher Program at The Dalton School offers a valuable opportunity for aspiring educators to develop their teaching skills by working closely with experienced teachers and mentors in a progressive educational setting. Associate Teachers play an integral role in the First Program community, collaborating with Head Teachers on all classroom responsibilities, both academic and organizational. These responsibilities include planning and leading small group or whole-class lessons, assessing and documenting students’ needs, contributing to classroom management, and supporting the Head Teacher in the day-to-day operations of the classroom.

As full-time employees, Associate Teacher candidates must demonstrate a passion for working with young children, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to teaching, evidenced by ongoing graduate coursework and/or professional development. Associates typically spend two years in the First Program, with the possibility of a third year at the school’s discretion.

Responsibilities:

Associate Teachers play a critical role in supporting the Head Teacher with daily classroom operations, including lesson preparation and classroom setup. While learning the craft of teaching through hands-on experience and mentorship, Associate Teachers also take on additional responsibilities, which include but are not limited to:

• Planning and leading small group or whole-class lessons.
• Assessing and documenting students’ needs.
• Attending and actively participating in Curriculum Night, grade-level meetings, parent-teacher conferences, student support meetings, Associate Teacher meetings, and professional development sessions.
• Engaging in curricular planning and classroom management discussions.
• Writing student progress reports each trimester.
• Supervising lunch, recess, and dismissal duties.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; enrollment in or progress toward an advanced degree in Elementary or Early Education is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience working with Lower School students is strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency with technology.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and executive functioning skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and effectively prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands.
• Quick learner with a strong work ethic and willingness to develop new skills.
• Demonstrated cultural competency, including the ability to engage with and learn from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and a commitment to ongoing learning about inclusion.
• Bilingual English/Spanish speakers are of special interest, as our students begin learning Spanish in Kindergarten.
• Demonstrate professionalism through appropriate attire, discretion with sensitive information, and respectful interactions with colleagues at all times.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ease in effectively prioritizing multiple competing tasks and demands.

The Dalton School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, orany other category protected by applicable lawin the administration of our educational policies, hiring policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs.