What are the responsibilities and job description for the Early Childhood Associate Teacher (Immediate & Fall 2026 Openings) position at New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS)?
The Elisabeth Morrow School is seeking a passionate Early Childhood Associate Teacher to join our Division of Early Learning. We are officially hiring for the 2026–2027 school year, though candidates with immediate availability are strongly encouraged to apply, as a mid-year enrollment increase may accelerate our hiring timeline for the current 2025–2026 term.
In our Division of Early Learning, we recognize that all children will not develop at the same pace. We respect each child’s rate of growth and individualize activities to ensure student engagement and achievement. Strong collaboration between families and the school, which includes frequent communication and parent education, guides the transition to a school environment.
This position reports to the Head of Early Learning. The hours for this position are: Mondays from 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and Tuesdays–Fridays from 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
The position is full-time and includes additional hours on Monday afternoons as well as select evenings and weekends for professional development, faculty meetings, and school events.
This is a full-time position with a competitive benefits and compensation package for the region. The salary range for this position is of $40,000 to $45,000. Final salary is commensurate with experience, degree attainment, and the national independent school market.
Incentives
Benefits
We aren’t just a school; we are a community. Feeling supported in your professional development and growth is one of the greatest benefits we offer our staff. Of course, we provide traditional benefits, too:
Please email your resume and cover letter (required) to Lauren Mactas, head of early learning, at lmactas@elisabethmorrow.org.
Please indicate in your cover letter if you are available for a mid-year start or are strictly applying for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Who We Are
Since 1930, The Elisabeth Morrow School has been a leader in educating children to be thinkers and leaders. Founded by trailblazers Elisabeth Morrow and Connie Chilton, our school holds a 95-year legacy of innovation through the entire arc of childhood. Located 10 minutes from the George Washington Bridge in Englewood, N.J., our curriculum is defined by innovative STEM programming, a nationally renowned instrumental music program, and a deep commitment to social-emotional learning.
We are proud to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School (2025), an Apple Distinguished School (2022–2026), and a UN Global School.
As one of the most diverse independent schools in the country, we seek qualified candidates
who will add to this legacy. We are committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for
all employees.
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a member of the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater
New York (ISAAGNY), the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS), and the National
Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). For more information, visit elisabethmorrow.org.
In our Division of Early Learning, we recognize that all children will not develop at the same pace. We respect each child’s rate of growth and individualize activities to ensure student engagement and achievement. Strong collaboration between families and the school, which includes frequent communication and parent education, guides the transition to a school environment.
This position reports to the Head of Early Learning. The hours for this position are: Mondays from 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and Tuesdays–Fridays from 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
The position is full-time and includes additional hours on Monday afternoons as well as select evenings and weekends for professional development, faculty meetings, and school events.
- Support the head teacher and partner with fellow associate teachers in planning, executing, and assessing developmentally appropriate activities and experiences in harmony with the school’s philosophy and mission.
- Individualize approaches to meet each child's academic, social, and emotional needs.
- Skillfully balance restorative learning time and active learning time.
- Encourage positive behaviors to promote self-awareness and healthy social interactions.
- Ensure that the learning environment is conducive to productivity and is safe and healthy.
- Ensure positive communication with family members.
- Establish nurturing, understanding, and developmentally appropriate teacher-child relationships.
- Utilize behavior management strategies that are reasonable, sensitive, and differentiated.
- Encourage self-regulation and empowerment through modeling and choices.
- Work effectively in a collaborative learning community.
- Promote the school within the larger community.
- Contribute to the school's ongoing operations by taking on additional responsibilities as assigned.
- A college degree, preferably in education or a related field
- One to three years working with young children
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
- Ability to move efficiently from a floor-seated to a standing position
- Stamina, patience, and enthusiasm!
This is a full-time position with a competitive benefits and compensation package for the region. The salary range for this position is of $40,000 to $45,000. Final salary is commensurate with experience, degree attainment, and the national independent school market.
Incentives
Benefits
We aren’t just a school; we are a community. Feeling supported in your professional development and growth is one of the greatest benefits we offer our staff. Of course, we provide traditional benefits, too:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Matching Contributions
- Life Insurance and Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
- Short Term and Long Term Disability Coverage
- Generous Vacation Policy
Please email your resume and cover letter (required) to Lauren Mactas, head of early learning, at lmactas@elisabethmorrow.org.
Please indicate in your cover letter if you are available for a mid-year start or are strictly applying for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Who We Are
Since 1930, The Elisabeth Morrow School has been a leader in educating children to be thinkers and leaders. Founded by trailblazers Elisabeth Morrow and Connie Chilton, our school holds a 95-year legacy of innovation through the entire arc of childhood. Located 10 minutes from the George Washington Bridge in Englewood, N.J., our curriculum is defined by innovative STEM programming, a nationally renowned instrumental music program, and a deep commitment to social-emotional learning.
We are proud to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School (2025), an Apple Distinguished School (2022–2026), and a UN Global School.
As one of the most diverse independent schools in the country, we seek qualified candidates
who will add to this legacy. We are committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for
all employees.
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a member of the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater
New York (ISAAGNY), the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS), and the National
Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). For more information, visit elisabethmorrow.org.
Salary : $40,000 - $45,000