Jobs

1st & 2nd Grade (Primary 2) Associate Teacher

The Common School – Amherst, MA

Are you an enthusiastic and dedicated educator eager to immerse yourself in a progressive, student-centered learning environment? The Common School, a vibrant Nursery through 6th-grade school in Western Massachusetts, seeks a full-time Associate Teacher to work closely with a classroom Head Teacher in fostering a dynamic, inclusive, multi-age classroom experience.

About The Common School:

Nestled within 140 acres of picturesque conservation land, The Common School offers an engaging, hands-on educational experience that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship. Our mission is to cultivate compassionate learners through a transformative, joyful, progressive education.

Position Overview:

The Associate Teacher will work closely with the classroom Head Teacher to implement a rich, integrated curriculum that meets students’ developmental and academic needs. This role offers the opportunity to lead small group instruction, actively contribute to curriculum planning, and create a nurturing classroom environment where students feel valued and inspired to learn.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate in planning and delivering a dynamic, developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and deep engagement.
• Teach small group literacy and math lessons, adapting instruction to support a range of learners.
• Foster a classroom culture emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
• Engage students in hands-on, thematic studies that connect learning to the real world.
• Supervise students during transitions, outdoor play, lunch, and other daily activities.
• Take the lead in classroom instruction when the Head Teacher is absent.
• Maintain open, thoughtful communication with students, colleagues, and caregivers.
• Communicate and maintain high standards for classroom management using active supervision and positive and restorative approaches.
• Attend and contribute to faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and school-wide events.

Please see the full position description here.

Qualifications Preferred:

• Master’s degree in education or a related field.
• Massachusetts Licensure
• 2+ years of teaching experience in early childhood or elementary education.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and progressive pedagogy.
• Strong skills in collaboration, adaptability, and communication.

How to Apply:

We seek candidates who will contribute to the racial, cultural, and gender diversity of our school community. As part of our anti-bias hiring process, applicants are asked to follow these steps:

• Submit a letter of interest

• Provide a resume

• Submit a written response to the equity, inclusion, and social justice statement below*

• Send a redacted copy of all three items with contact information and identifying details removed.

Email materials to Hiring@commonschool.org

* The Common School is committed to social justice, critical thinking, and compassion for others. We strive to ensure that our community of students, families, and staff actively contributes to a caring and equitable environment. Please describe any personal background, training, work, or other experience that demonstrates your ability to help us achieve this goal.

Join us in shaping a learning community where children are empowered to explore, question, and grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens!