Lower School Associate Teacher

National Association of Independent Schools; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Steiner School in New York seeks an Elementary School Associate Teacher to support the Lead Teacher, help maintain a safe, nurturing Waldorf classroom, and assist with daily rhythms and lesson preparation.

You will monitor students, assist with parent communication, and participate in weekly meetings, school festivals, and community events. A Bachelor’s degree is required; Waldorf certification or a clear path to certification is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Waldorf Teacher Certification from an AWSNA-recognized institute (or clear path to certification).
• Strong understanding and enthusiasm for Waldorf education.

Responsibilities

• Supports Lead Teacher by assisting in academic, social, emotional, artistic or executive functioning guidance.
• Monitors students throughout the day and assists with classroom setup and lesson preparation.
• Records and reports incidents and supports parent/guardian communication when directed.
• Acts as Lead Teacher in the Lead Teacher’s absence and ensures classroom standards are met.
• Attends weekly meetings and participates in school events and traditions.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Waldorf Teacher Certification (AWSNA) or clear path to certification

Job description

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

To support the Lead Teacher (Class Teacher or Subject Teacher) in providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment rooted in Waldorf pedagogy, while assisting in daily rhythms, transitions, and tasks assigned in support of the lesson content.

REPORTS TO

• Lower School Chair
• College of Teachers

HOURS WORKED

Full-time; exempt; usual hours are 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with additional time for faculty meetings, parent meetings, school festivals, and events. Faculty are expected to be on campus two weeks before the school year begins and two weeks following the end of the school year. Teachers are also expected to be reachable by the Area Chair via phone or email during school vacations and the summer months.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching and Student Support

• Supports Lead Teacher by being attentive to students that need academic, social, emotional, artistic or executive functioning guidance
• Assists Lead Teacher in maintaining the students’ safety
• Supports classroom set up and lesson preparation as guided or instructed by the Lead Teacher or Lower School Chair
• Supports the Lead Teacher in all aspects of curricular preparation and implementation as directed
• Monitors students throughout the day including during class time, transitions, recess, field trips, lunch, and park time
• Supports cleaning classroom and storage spaces including at the end of the day
• Record and report incidents to Lead Teacher and Lower School Chair as described in the Employee Handbook
• Acts as Lead Teacher in the Lead Teacher’s absence
• Ensures that the classroom environment meets the standards of the Lower School Waldorf Pedagogy
• Keeps classroom, storage areas, and common areas neat and clutter free, and makes appropriate use of space, equipment, and material storage
• Assumes responsibility of Lead Teacher as instructed by the Lead Teacher or Lower School Chair
• Directs parents and caregivers to the Lead Teacher with questions about individual students or the program
• Supports the Lead Teacher with parent/guardian communication when directed
• Facilitates dismissal of students to caregivers in the Lead Teacher’s absence

School Life and Professionalism

• Arrives punctually and maintains professional demeanor, attire, and communication.
• Attends weekly faculty meetings (All Colleagues and Area), professional development, and in-service days.
• Actively contributes to school festivals, events, and community traditions including but not limited to Fall Fair, May Day, and assemblies.
• Supports enrollment and outreach efforts, including tours, interviews, and student visiting days.
• Demonstrates flexibility, cooperation, and a commitment to the school’s mission and shared work.
• Practices clear, kind, and timely communication with colleagues and families.
• Honors confidentiality and adheres to all policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Demonstrates cultural competency and respect for diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives in all aspects of teaching, communication, and collaboration.
• Meets weekly with Lead Teacher

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Commits to ongoing study and renewal of Waldorf pedagogy through personal study, workshops, and mentoring.
• Actively participates in Faculty Seminar as requested, mentoring, evaluations, and assigned trainings.
• Engages in professional learning in areas such as culturally responsive teaching, neurodiversity, and developmentally aligned instruction.
• Seeks and integrates feedback for personal and professional growth.
• Actively engages in All Colleagues Meetings, Area Meetings, and seeks to learn from experienced Steiner Colleagues.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Waldorf Teacher Certification from an AWSNA-recognized institute or equivalent experience required (or a clear path to certification)
• Strong understanding of and enthusiasm for Waldorf education
• Commitment to professional growth and collaborative work
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and support for diverse learners.
• Prior classroom teaching experience
• Must meet all background checks, fingerprinting, and NYC health and safety compliance standards
• Must maintain current First Aid/CPR certification and be compliant with all licensing/training requirements

SALARY

The salary range for this position is $40,000-$65,000. Steiner provides exceptional benefits including robust healthcare, professional development, and the opportunity for flexible work during school breaks.

Application

To be considered for this position, please email a letter of interest and information for three references to [e-mail]. Please include Elementary School Associate Teacher in the subject line.