Primary School Assistant Teacher

Lowell School, a progressive independent PK-8 school in Washington, DC, seeks an innovative, warm, and nurturing Assistant Teacher. The ideal candidate enjoys working with a diverse population of academically talented students and thrives in a collaborative, project-based learning environment. Working in partnership with two Lead Teachers, the Assistant Teacher plays an integral role in fostering a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive classroom community that supports students’ social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

We are seeking self-motivated educators with a strong community spirit, flexibility, and a sense of humor who are committed to the tenets of progressive education and culturally responsive practices.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Prior experience working in an early childhood, elementary, middle school, or progressive educational setting preferred.
• Experience building positive relationships with students and families from a wide range of backgrounds is preferred.
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of the social, emotional, cognitive, and academic needs of elementary-age students.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to support students’ emerging academic and social-emotional skills through individualized and small-group instruction.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, flexibility, and initiative.
• Ability to work collaboratively under the leadership and direction of multiple teachers.
• Commitment to culturally responsive teaching practices, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Enthusiasm for project-based learning and progressive education.
• A positive attitude, strong community spirit, flexibility, and a sense of humor.
• Wholehearted support of the mission and core values of the school.
  
  

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of engaging, age-appropriate, hands-on lessons and activities aligned with the curriculum and developmental needs of students.
• Split time between two third-grade classrooms, supporting students and Lead Teachers.
• Provide small-group and individualized support during investigations, projects, writing workshops, and other classroom activities.
• Observe student progress and communicate student needs with Lead Teachers to support differentiated instruction and student growth.
• Assist with classroom routines, supervision, and organization to maintain a safe, positive, and productive learning environment.
• Foster a nurturing and inclusive classroom community that promotes curiosity, collaboration, digital citizenship, and mutual respect.
• Support the school program through recess, lunch, dismissal, and other supervisory duties.
• Serve as a guest lead teacher on an as-needed basis.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, specialists, administrators, and families to support student success.
• Participate actively in the life of the school, including community events and professional collaboration opportunities.
• Promote an atmosphere that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of school life.
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
• Must be able to traverse school facilities and supervise students across a multi-building campus.
• Must be able to engage in physical activities, including standing, walking, reaching, bending, kneeling, crouching, sitting on the floor, and participating in outdoor activities with students.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions during recess, outdoor learning, and other school activities.
• Must be able to tolerate occasional noisy work environments and changing indoor and outdoor temperatures.
• Must be able to adapt to frequent interruptions and shifting priorities throughout the school day.
• Occasional evening or weekend attendance at school events may be required.
  
  

Candidates interested in applying should email a cover letter, resume, and 2 to 3 letters of reference to Justin McLean, Director of the Primary School, at employment@lowellschool.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.

Expected Salary Range

$53,000 -$55,000

Lowell School offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Lowell is committed to building a diverse and equitable staff and is an equal opportunity employer. Lowell complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.