Elementary Teacher Associate: 5th Grade

Community Roots Academy; Laguna Niguel (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Personal Leave

Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage

403(b) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Community Roots Academy is seeking a Teacher Associate to support lead teachers in delivering a high-quality instructional program for the 2026‑27 school year. The role includes facilitating small-group learning, reinforcing literacy and math skills, and supporting students’ academic and social development in a collaborative classroom.

The position requires handling classroom routines, maintaining engagement, and documenting student progress while aligning with California standards and school

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required or preferred.
• California Teaching Credential preferred (Multiple Subject; Special Education)
• English Learner Authorization preferred (CLAD or equivalent)
• California Substitute Permit required.
• Experience with targeted intervention and MTSS framework preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist lead teachers with daily lessons aligned to California standards.
• Support small-group instruction and differentiated activities.
• Provide in-class academic support for diverse learners.
• Document student learning and progress as directed.
• Prepare and organize classroom materials and resources.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Assist with planning, delivering, and adapting lesson plans as needed.
• Collaborate with teachers and administration on project-based learning.

Skills

Small-group instruction

Differentiated learning

Literacy & math support

Project-based learning

Classroom management

Student assessment

Communication

Collaboration

Professionalism

MTSS experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education

California Multiple Subject or Special Education credential (preferred)

English Learner Authorization (preferred)

California Substitute Permit (valid)

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:

The physicalrequirementsdescribedherearerepresentativeof those that must be met byanemployeetosuccessfully performtheessential functions of thisjob.

• 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 required to possessdexterity ofhandandfingers,kneel,bendatthe waist,sitonthe floor, climb stairs and reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to perform assigned duties; lift light objects
• Regularly requiredtospeakinaudibletonessothatothersmay 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

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.