Salary Range: $66,000 - $69,000. The position on the scale will be based on years of teaching experience and education.

Exemption Status: Exempt

The Dalton School, a progressive K-12 gender-inclusive school in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is consistently recognized as one of the preeminent independent day schools in the nation. Known for its child-centered approach and an exceptional, inspiring faculty, Dalton enrolls over 1,300 students with approximately 350 faculty and staff. Guided by the Dalton Plan, the foundation of a Dalton education, our faculty meets each student’s evolving needs, interests, and abilities. Dalton challenges each student to develop intellectual independence, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility toward others both within the School and in the broader community.

We are seeking full-time 1^st and 2^nd Grade Associate Teachers for the 2026-2027 school year, starting in September 2026.

The Associate Teacher Program at The Dalton School offers a valuable opportunity for aspiring educators to develop their teaching skills by working closely with experienced teachers and mentors in a progressive educational setting. Associate Teachers play an integral role in the First Program community, collaborating with Head Teachers on all classroom responsibilities, both academic and organizational. These responsibilities include planning and leading small group or whole-class lessons, assessing and documenting students’ needs, contributing to classroom management, and supporting the Head Teacher in the day-to-day operations of the classroom.

As full-time employees, Associate Teacher candidates must demonstrate a passion for working with young children, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to teaching, evidenced by ongoing graduate coursework and/or professional development. Associates typically spend two years in the First Program, with the possibility of a third year at the school’s discretion.

Responsibilities: 

Associate Teachers play a critical role in supporting the Head Teacher with daily classroom operations, including lesson preparation and classroom setup. While learning the craft of teaching through hands-on experience and mentorship, Associate Teachers also take on additional responsibilities, which include but are not limited to:

• Planning and leading small group or whole-class lessons.
• Assessing and documenting students’ needs.
• Attending and actively participating in Curriculum Night, grade-level meetings, parent-teacher conferences, student support meetings, Associate Teacher meetings, and professional development sessions.
• Engaging in curricular planning and classroom management discussions.
• Writing student progress reports each trimester.
• Supervising lunch, recess, and dismissal duties.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; enrollment in or progress toward an advanced degree in Elementary or Early Education is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience working with Lower School students is strongly preferred.

• Strong proficiency with technology.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and executive functioning skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and effectively prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands.
• Quick learner with a strong work ethic and willingness to develop new skills.
• Demonstrated cultural competency, including the ability to engage with and learn from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and a commitment to ongoing learning about inclusion.
• Bilingual English/Spanish speakers are of special interest, as our students begin learning Spanish in Kindergarten.
• Demonstrate professionalism through appropriate attire, discretion with sensitive information, and respectful interactions with colleagues at all times.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ease in effectively prioritizing multiple competing tasks and demands.

The Dalton School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by applicable law in the administration of our educational policies, hiring policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to the employment portal using the following link - https://www.dalton.org/employment

About The Dalton School

The Dalton School is an independent, co-educational day school (K-12), founded in 1919 by the renowned progressive educator Helen Parkhurst. Parkhurst’s visionary Dalton Plan remains the keystone of the school’s progressive educational philosophy and is now the model for over 200 Dalton schools in other parts of the world. The Dalton School is the innovative leader in developing creative problem solvers who identify issues, grapple with possibilities, and design solutions to global challenges from multiple perspectives. Dalton is recognized for its rigorous, innovative educational curriculum and offers its 1,300 students a breadth of stimulating and challenging programs taught by our dedicated faculty. Our high academic standards are complemented by an exemplary performing and fine arts curriculum – taught by faculty who are professionals in their fields – and a full range of athletic teams and extra-curricular activities. The Dalton School actively seeks to forward diversity through its programs and hiring.

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