Kindergarten Associate

Kindergarten Associate Teacher

Description

Fort Worth Country Day is looking to fill a Kindergarten Associate Teacher position beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Reporting to the Head of Lower School, we are seeking applicants who will be actively engaged and involved beyond the classroom as a member of a family-centered, independent school community. This kindergarten level position is designed to allow educators who are new to the teaching field to gain valuable experience in the classroom while mentoring with an experienced lead teacher. The Associate will become immersed in the unique culture of independent school life. The Kindergarten Associate will be placed in a single homeroom classroom, working closely with the lead teacher to maximize exposure to developmentally appropriate instruction and classroom management strategies specific to kindergarten learners.

Responsibilities:

In addition to the commitment of growing into a lead teacher, the Associate will assume typical Kindergarten Assistant duties such as:

• Seasonally decorate the foyer and halls in collaboration with colleagues
• Work with individual children or small groups of children, eventually leading lessons in the homeroom
• Assume the role of lead teacher whenever the lead teacher is out of the classroom
• Perform all designated duties, including morning/afternoon carpool, lunch duty, and recess each day
• Maintain communication with other Associates regarding the delegation of duties
• Arrive daily by 7:45 am and stay until necessary responsibilities and planning are completed

Guidelines:

The Associate will participate in the Teacher Induction Program (TIP). The Associate will report to school for the first year's week of TIP, the week before regular faculty return to school. The Associate will then meet with the lead teacher before students return to school to debrief about the TIP experience.

The Associate will attend the ISAS (Independent School Association of the Southwest) Beginning Teacher Institute for 3 days in the Fall.

The Associate will complete a book study under the guidance of the lead teacher and, when needed, support from the Academic Support Coordinator, Assistant Head of Lower School, and/or the Lower School Counselor.

Professional Growth:

The Associate will fully participate in meetings, trainings, and other responsibilities associated with being a lead teacher.

• Attend all monthly divisional faculty meetings and school-wide meetings, and trainings
• Attend scheduled weekly meetings with the lead teacher
• Participate in lesson planning and development under the guidance of the lead teacher
• Assess students in language arts and mathematics
• Participate in Fall and Spring parent conferences under guidance of the lead teacher
• Participate in narrative comment writing for progress notes and report cards under guidance of the lead teacher

Evaluation:

The Associate will engage in self-assessment and goal setting. The Associate will videotape a lesson each year, and along with the lead teacher, examine and critique the lesson. The Associate's lead teacher will provide guidance and feedback regarding performance and progress, but will not be involved in the formal evaluation of the Associate. The Assistant Head of Lower School will evaluate the Associate using current evaluative systems at FWCD.

School Involvement:

The Associate will be an active participant in the life of FWCD by attending various school functions (afternoon, evening, and weekend). Such functions include Back-to-School Night at the football game, Lower School Carnival, and Bingo. Whenever appropriate, the Associate will also coach and/or teach an after-school enrichment class for a stipend.

Lead Teacher-Associate Relationship:

The lead teacher serves as an advocate, supporter, and instructional coach for the Kindergarten Associate. The lead teacher builds a trusting relationship by being a "Guide on the Side" and will not serve in an evaluative capacity. The lead teacher will provide ongoing mentoring, guidance, feedback, and encouragement to support the Associate's professional growth and development.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to walk students to and from lunch, PE, art, music, etc. each day
• Bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, lifting

All employees of FWCD must:

• Embody, model and communicate the School's mission and core values (respect, responsibility, kindness, courage, integrity and scholarship)
• Exhibit generous community spirit, professional flexibility, a sense of humor and a positive attitude
• Collaborate and work well with colleagues, parents and students
• Execute duties in a positive and punctual manner
• Be an enthusiastic lifelong learner driven toward professional self-improvement and personal growth

Equal Opportunity Employer / Statement of Inclusivity:

Fort Worth Country Day is an Equal Opportunity Employer that maintains a policy of nondiscrimination with respect to all employees and applicants for employment. The ideal candidate should possess a thoughtful approach and knowledge of intercultural communication and inclusion of underrepresented groups. Employment decisions at FWCD are based on merit, qualifications, abilities and performance, and are subject to the academic and business requirements of the School.

The FWCD Inclusivity Statement confirms: We believe that understanding and respecting differences not only inspires compassion and empathy, but also fosters intellectual curiosity and creativity. We embrace the diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives that comprise and enhance our learning environment. We commit to sustaining and growing an intentionally inclusive community.

About Fort Worth Country Day:

Fort Worth Country Day is a co-ed, junior kindergarten through grade 12 college-preparatory day school with approximately 1,100 students and 250 faculty and staff. The School seeks to promote inclusivity and retain a diverse faculty. The 104-acre campus offers excellent facilities for academics, arts and athletics. Faculty and administration nurture a collegial professional environment in which innovation is encouraged. Opportunities for ongoing professional development are exceptional. Fort Worth Country Day is proud of its school community where students, parents, faculty, staff and administration join together to develop an effective and enjoyable place to teach and learn.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, OR commitment to pursuing and completing a Bachelor's degree while employed at FWCD required
• Early-career educator or new to the teaching profession (0–3 years of classroom experience) required
• Genuine enthusiasm for working with kindergarten students required
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents, and students required
• Commitment to professional growth and willingness to learn from experienced educators required