Lower School Teaching Assistant

Durham Academy is accepting applications for a permanent part-time Lower School teaching assistant to begin August 1, 2026. The Lower School serves approximately 300 students in grades 1-4. Our Lower School classrooms in grades 2-4 have 18-19 students with a lead classroom teacher and a teaching assistant who stays until 12:00 p.m. each day. Please note that this part-time position will report Mondays-Fridays from 7:45 AM-12:00 PM.

Responsibilities include

• Setting learning goals with the lead classroom teacher

• Preparing instructional materials for the lead teacher

• Working with children on academic tasks in small groups or individually

• Leading whole group instruction when appropriate

• Supervising children at lunch and/or recess

• Performing other duties as requested by the lead classroom teacher

Minimum requirements include

• A bachelor’s degree (preferably in education)

• Experience working with children in an educational environment

• A passion and love for meeting the social and academic needs of children

Durham Academy Teachers

• Are culturally competent and believe in the central importance of diversity and equity in the life of the school.

• Model a student-centered approach to teaching in an active classroom. 

• Possess a command of pedagogical best practices, eagerly seek feedback on all aspects of their professional life, and are committed to lifelong professional growth.

• Collaborate authentically and actively while building and maintaining collegial relationships with colleagues.

• Are eager to build supportive relationships with students, successful partnerships with  parents/caregivers and participate actively in the life of the school beyond the classroom.

• Understand that student wellness is central to the student learning experience.

• Use technology thoughtfully and creatively to enhance teaching and learning.

• Innovate and experiment to discover the most compelling learning experiences for students.

Our School

Founded in 1933, Durham Academy is an all-gender, independent day school with 1,267 students in Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 on three campuses. The purpose of a Durham Academy education is to prepare each student to live a moral, happy and productive life. DA’s Strategic Vision commits to preparing students for life, meeting the needs of our learners and innovating more boldly, with a foundation broadening and deepening our work with diversity, equity and engagement. Durham Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). 

Diversity, Equity and Engagement Mission Statement
Diversity enlivens, improves and enriches the intellectual and social environment of an academic community and encompasses all aspects of humanity including racial identity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, age and gender identity. We are committed to an ongoing process to increase the diversity of our community and to implement policies, programs and practices under which all members of our community feel welcomed, empowered, responsible and safe. Amidst our diversity we stand united in the pursuit of academic excellence and development of individual capabilities. Find out more about DA’s commitment to diversity, equity and engagement here.

(Adopted by the Durham Academy Board of Trustees in 2004 and updated in 2008)

Our Employment Policy

Durham Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.