Elementary Teacher Associate 5th Grade

Community Roots Academy; Laguna Niguel (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Roots Academy is seeking a Teacher Associate for the 2026-27 school year. The role supports lead teachers, facilitates small-group learning, and promotes student-centered instruction across a 10.5-month calendar with a 7:30am–4:00pm day.

Responsibilities include lesson support, differentiation, and classroom management to foster an engaging learning environment. The position emphasizes collaboration, project-based learning, and data-tracking of student progress, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• 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 MTSS framework preferred.
• Experience working with children in a school or youth setting strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead teachers in implementing daily lessons aligned with California standards and 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, including planning, preparing, and delivering lesson plans and instructional materials.
• Support social-emotional development and positive behavior reinforcement.
• Supervise students during transitions, recess, lunch, Specials, and other non-instructional settings.
• Build positive relationships with students and communicate progress to staff.
• Document student learning through photos, notes, and work samples.

Skills

Literacy support

Math support

Small-group instruction

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Differentiated instruction

Professionalism

Confidentiality

Classroom management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or related field

California Teaching Credential (Multiple Subject; Special Education) preferred

English Learner Authorization (CLAD or equivalent) preferred

California Substitute Permit

Tools

CPR/First Aid training

Mandated Reporter training

Job description

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:

Toperform this job successfully, anindividualmust be abletoperformeach essential function satisfactorily.Essentialfunctions include but are notlimitedto 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:

• Regularlyrequiredtosit, stand,twist,turn,bend,walk,talk, hear, andreachwithhands
• Regularlyrequiredto operate a computer andotheroffice equipment
• Regularly requiredtoseeand observestudents,walk and/orstand for extendedperiodsoftime,andhearandspeakto exchange information
• Regularly requiredto possessdexterity ofhandandfingers,kneel,bendatthe waist,sitonthe floor, climb stairs and reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to perform assigned duties; lift light objects
• Regularlyrequiredtospeakinaudibletonessothatothersmay understandclearlyin indoor and outdoor classrooms

• Occasionally requiredto liftand/ormove upto 25 lbs.
• Duties arenormallyperformedinaschool,classroom, playgroundand/orother outdoor settings
• Dutiesmaybe performedinseasonalheat,sun,andcold
• Thenoise level inthework environmentis usually moderate

Reasonableaccommodationsmay 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.