Elementary Teacher Associate

cra barcelona; Laguna Niguel (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Personal Leave

Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage

Employer-paid Life Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Induction Program Reimbursement & Ment

Before and after school childcare

Job summary

Community Roots Academy seeks a Teacher Associate for the 2026-27 school year in Laguna Niguel, CA. The role supports lead teachers, delivering a student-centered instructional program and assisting with instruction, small-group learning, and social-emotional development.

You will collaborate with grade-level teams, attend staff development, and document student progress while adhering to school safety policies and professional standards. A bachelor's degree and valid credentials are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required or preferred.
• Valid California Teaching Credential preferred (Multiple Subject; Special Education credential).
• English Learner Authorization preferred (CLAD or equivalent).
• Valid California Substitute Permit.
• Experience providing targeted intervention and/or working within an MTSS framework preferred.
• Experience working with children in a school or youth setting is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist lead teachers in implementing daily lessons aligned with California standards and curriculum.
• Support project-based learning experiences and student inquiry exploration.
• Provide in-class academic support to students with diverse learning needs.
• Support small-group instruction, intervention, and differentiated learning activities under teacher guidance.
• Reinforce foundational literacy and mathematics skills through guided practice.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Assume classroom teacher responsibilities as needed, including planning and delivering lessons.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Classroom support

Differentiated instruction

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field

California Teaching Credential preferred

English Learner Authorization preferred

California Substitute Permit

MTSS experience preferred

Job description

This position is for the 2026-27 school year.

Work Year Calendar: 10.5 month * with the exception of school breaks

Hours: school day; 7:30am - 4:00pm

OVERVIEW:

The Teacher Associate supports the lead classroom teachers in delivering a high-quality, student-centered instructional program. This role assists with instruction, facilitates small-group learning, and supports students’ academic, social, and emotional development while helping maintain a collaborative, inquiry-based classroom environment.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

INSTRUCTIONAL & CLASSROOM SUPPORT

• Assist the lead teachers in implementing daily lessons aligned with California standards and the school curriculum
• Support project-based learning experiences and student inquiry exploration
• Provide in-class academic support to students with diverse learning needs
• Support small-group instruction, intervention, and differentiated learning activities under teacher guidance
• Reinforce foundational skills in literacy and mathematics through guided practice
• Assist in maintaining a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment
• Assume classroom teacher responsibilities as needed, which include planning, preparing, and delivering lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning

STUDENT SUPPORT & SUPERVISION

• Support the social-emotional development of students through positive behavior reinforcement
• Help maintain a safe, inclusive, and structured classroom environment
• Supervise students during transitions, recess, lunch, Specials, and other non-instructional settings
• Build positive, supportive relationships with students
• Assist in documenting student learning (photos, notes, work samples)
• Help prepare and maintain engaging classroom environments that reflect student work and thinking

COLLABORATION & COMMUNICATION

• Work closely with the lead teachers and grade-level team to support classroom routines and instruction
• Attend staff meetings, team meetings, and professional development
• Communicate effectively with staff regarding student needs and progress
• Collaborate with teachers and administration to support project-based learning and classroom activities

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and organize classroom materials and resources
• Collect and track basic student data as directed by the Lead Teacher or Interventionist
• Provide short-term classroom coverage as needed
• Maintain a positive, professional, and collaborative attitude with students, staff, and families
• Follow all mandated reporter requirements and school safety policies
• Support school-wide initiatives and programs
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the classroom and school community

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field preferred
• Valid California Teaching Credential preferred (Multiple Subject; Special Education credential)
• English Learner Authorization preferred (CLAD or equivalent)
• Valid California Substitute Permit
• Experience providing targeted intervention and/or working within an MTSS framework preferred
• Experience working with children in a school or youth setting is strongly preferred

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• TB clearance and DOJ/FBI fingerprint clearance required
• Must complete required training upon hire: CPR, First Aid, Mandated Reporter, and Sexual Harassment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Best practices and instructional foundations in literacy and mathematics
• Understanding of child development and diverse learning needs (K–8)
• Familiarity with inclusive and student-centered instructional practices
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to support small-group instruction effectively
• Organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to follow directions while remaining proactive
• Ability to build positive relationships with students and staff
• Adaptability in a dynamic classroom environment
• Ability to support differentiated instruction
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to collaborate within a team-oriented school culture

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to sit, stand, twist, turn, bend, walk, talk, hear, and reach with hands
• Regularly required to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Regularly required to see and observe students, walk and/or stand for extended periods of time, and hear and speak to exchange information
• Regularly required to possess dexterity of hand and fingers, kneel, bend at the waist, sit on the floor, climb stairs and reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to perform assigned duties; lift light objects
• Regularly required to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in indoor and outdoor classrooms

• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.
• Duties are normally performed in school, classroom, playground and/or other outdoor settings
• Duties may be performed in seasonal heat, sun, and cold
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

BENEFITS:

• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Personal Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage
• Employer-paid Life Insurance
• 403 (b) Retirement Plan
• Induction Program Reimbursement & Mentor
• Before and after school childcare

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Community Roots Academy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.