Early Childhood Assistant Teacher (First Grade)

Winchester Thurston; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh seeks an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher for first grade. The role supports lead teachers, fosters social-emotional development, and helps create an engaging, inclusive classroom. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Education, experience with young children, strong communication with families, and collaboration with staff.

The schedule is Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. with occasional after-school duties.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Education is required.
• Experience working in an early childhood setting.
• Strong communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Responsive Classroom, Wit and Wisdom, Clear Math experience is a plus.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and ongoing professional growth.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and administrators.

Responsibilities

• Teach small groups in Grade 1 homerooms under Lead Teachers.
• Support behavior and social-emotional development through proactive interventions.
• Collaborate on curriculum planning with differentiated instruction.
• Attend school meetings and participate in committees as needed.
• Lead instruction when the lead teacher is unavailable.
• Maintain a safe, organized classroom environment.
• Assist with admissions events and family communication as needed.
• Fulfill non-academic duties (attendance, supervision, field trips).

Skills

Strong communication skills

Experience with early childhood

Responsive Classroom exposure

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education

Job description

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher (First Grade)

• Position Type: Lower School Teaching/ Assistant Teacher
• Date Posted: 6/25/2026
• Location: Winchester Thurston - City Campus

Position Information

Job Classification Faculty, Exempt, Salaried

FT/PT Status Regular Full Time

Work Schedule Normally Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and until all duties are completed; occasional after-school meetings or events may be required

Department Lower School

The individual in this position must understand the emotional and educational needs of young children, have the ability to effectively communicate with them, and respond appropriately to individual differences in children. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher will work closely with the Lead Teachers and the Director and Associate Director of Lower School, and other faculty members, students, and parents. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher performs under the general direction of the Head of School and the daily supervision of the Director of Lower School. The individual in this position teaches and serves in a manner that advances and upholds the mission and philosophy of Winchester Thurston School.

The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher is responsible for the following duties:

• Teach small groups in the Grade 1 early childhood homerooms under the direction of the Lead Teachers
• Support student behavior and social-emotional development through proactive and responsive interventions that strengthen the classroom community.
• Work collaboratively with the lead teachers in facilitating curriculum and learning experiences that are in accord with divisional curriculum and the school's educational philosophy; assist in planning lessons that use varied methods of instruction and assessment as well as incorporates differentiated learning
• Work as a team member with the early childhood team, colleagues and administrators by attending all school-wide meetings, department meetings, Lower School faculty meetings, and in-service days, and serving on committees as needed
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for and commitment to the School's City as Our Campus initiative by actively seeking meaningful community connections for experiential learning opportunities within and outside the classroom
• Lead classroom instruction and daily operations when the lead teacher is unavailable, ensuring a consistent learning experience for students.
• Maintain an appropriate and organized classroom environment with an emphasis on child safety and well-being
• Engage in and support the school's commitment to equity and inclusion, including but not limited to, curriculum, teaching practice, and professional growth
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for and commitment to the School's strategic priorities by designing and implementing learning experiences that are interdisciplinary, student-centered, and/or project-based
• Incorporate social-emotional learning and related supports into the curriculum and classroom experience
• Commit to ongoing professional growth through professional development opportunities and participating in faculty review and growth processes.
• Participate in a mentoring program with an experienced faculty member during the first two years of employment
• Support communication with student families as needed
• Assist the admission process by meeting with prospective families, attending admission events, and helping screen prospective candidates for admission
• Fulfill duties that are connected with non-academic responsibilities, including but not limited to, taking attendance, lunch and recess duties, chaperoning field trips, after-school events or grade-level trips, classroom materials preparation, and other assigned duties

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Education is required
• Experience working in an early childhood setting
• Strong communication skills for communicating and collaborating with students, parents, and colleagues
• Responsive Classroom, Wit and Wisdom, Clear Math experience preferred by not required (WT will provide training)
• Demonstrated ability to meet the needs of a diverse student population
• Demonstrated ability to utilize educational technology in the classroom
• Educational philosophy that is consistent with that of the School

Winchester Thurston School is an equal opportunity employer. WT is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community and strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ candidates, and women.

Postings current as of 7/17/2026 8:04:04 PM CST.

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