Assistant Classroom Teacher (2026-2027)

Position Overview

The Academy for Integrated Arts (AFIA) seeks an assistant elementary teacher who believes learning should be engaging, meaningful, and joyful. This teacher will collaborate with a certified teacher or team of certified teachers to support students academically and behaviorally. The ideal candidate is committed to helping every child thrive academically and socially and believes that strong relationships, curiosity, and high expectations are essential to student success.

About the Academy for Integrated Arts

The Academy for Integrated Arts (AFIA) is an innovative public charter school in Kansas City where the arts are intentionally integrated into the core curriculum as a meaningful part of daily learning. At AFIA, the arts serve as a catalyst for curiosity, creativity, academic achievement, and student confidence.

Instruction is grounded in constructivist philosophy and developmentally appropriate practice. Students learn through inquiry, project-based experiences, and interdisciplinary learning that promotes deep thinking and authentic engagement. AFIA is a collaborative learning community where teachers are reflective practitioners, leaders, and active participants in ongoing professional learning.

Learn more by watching this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eUzUxI-kbQ) or visit our website at www.afiakc.org

Why Educators Choose AFIA

Educators at AFIA value:

• A collaborative and supportive staff culture
• Strong instructional coaching and job-embedded professional development
• Opportunities for teacher leadership and innovation
• A school community that values creativity, inquiry, and student voice
• The opportunity to integrate the arts into meaningful academic learning

Assistant Teachers at AFIA:

• Demonstrate a commitment to serving students who have been historically underserved
• Believe in the power of student-centered learning to transform students’ lives
• Support inclusive classrooms where all students and families feel a strong sense of belonging
• Value families as essential partners in student success
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and engage in continuous professional growth
  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support instruction
  • Deliver small-group and one-on-one lessons under the lead teacher’s direction
  • Reinforce whole-group instruction and reteach concepts as needed
  • Prepare and adapt instructional materials and visual aids
• Classroom management
  • Help maintain a positive, orderly learning environment
  • Implement behavior management plans and classroom routines
  • Supervise transitions, recess, lunch, dismissal
• Student monitoring & assessment
  • Observe and record student progress and behavior
    
  • Share observations with the lead teacher to inform instruction
• Differentiation & special needs support
  • Provide accommodations and modifications for IEP/504 goals
  • Support English learners with scaffolded instruction and language modeling
  • Assist therapists/specialists as directed
• Communication & family contact
  • Communicate respectfully with students, families, and colleagues
  • Relay routine information about student performance and behavior to the lead teacher
  • Participate in family conferences when requested
• Supervision & safety
  • Ensure student safety during classroom time, recess, field trips, and emergencies
  • Follow school safety and reporting procedures
• Professional responsibilities
  • Attend staff meetings, planning time, and required trainings
  • Maintain confidentiality and professional conduct
  • Collaborate with the lead teacher to plan lessons and manage workload
    

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have a GED or high school diploma.
• Experience working with Pre-k, school age and/or middle school youth; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications 

• 60 College Hours or Passed the Para Pro Assessment 
  
• The ideal applicant will have experience working with children in a school setting.

Salary and Benefits

• Medical benefits
• Kansas City Public School Retirement System (KCPSRS) participation
• Ongoing, job-embedded professional development and coaching
• Opportunities for collaboration and teacher leadership
• Professional learning in arts integration and interdisciplinary teaching

Start Date: August 1, 2026
Job is open until filled.
 Compensation:  Commensurate with experience  

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To apply, submit:

• Resume 
• Brief cover letter
• Three professional references
  

Questions about the position may be directed to: Tricia DeGraff, Executive Director (tricia.degraff@afiakc.org)