Associate Teacher

Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization, and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming–now across 15 sites—focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

Early Childhood at Manny Cantor Center is a pioneering integrated preschool program, blending Head Start, UPK and private funding to serve families across the economic spectrum on the Lower East Side. Our inspired, responsive and progressive program is built on a few simple principles: All children are competent, capable and curious. All families have something to contribute. We are stronger together.

Working within inspired and dynamic teams, our Associate Teachers are helping to build a vision for progressive education in Chinatown and the Lower East Side. Inspired by progressive schools around the world, we believe that all children learn through inquiry, exploration and play in the context of strong relationships and a sense of belonging. 

Our teachers create responsive, safe, joyful and nurturing learning environments for children for children aged 0-5 that foster inquiry, exploration, learning & reflection; collaborate with co-teachers to plan an emergent curriculum based on observations of children’s interests and development; document children’s learning through photographs, anecdotes, panels and mini-stories; facilitate communication and collaboration between the family and the preschool.  This position would be for a “floater” teacher who would work across different classrooms.  Associate Teachers will work Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 5:30pm.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning, Preparation Curriculum Development 

• Co-constructing curriculum, based on children’s interests, questions and development
• Documenting, reflecting and planning from observations
• Participating in weekly planning meetings with teaching team
• Meeting the needs of all children, including English language learners

 Classroom Environment

• Planning and creating a classroom environment with inquiry, exploration, learning and respect in mind
• Nurturing children’s home languages through curated books, materials and the physical environment
• Creating a warm and inclusive environment where children and families feel welcome
• Organizing physical space and selection of materials in a way that is inviting and accessible to children
• Creating visual evidence of the narratives and curriculum occurring in your classroom

Interactions with Children 

• Speaking and listening to children with respect and mindfulness
• Supervising the whole group, while giving individual attention
• Managing classroom procedures including transitions, routines and small groups
• Engage students in exploration and ongoing project work
• Scaffolding children through conflict and problem solving

Relationships with Families

• Building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families
• Communicating consistently with families 

Professional Responsibilities 

• Documenting children’s learning, development and progress
• Maintaining collaborative and professional relationships with colleagues 
• Mentoring Associate and Assistant teachers
• Participating in weekly professional learning meetings
• Showing professionalism including integrity, ethical conduct and decision making
• The candidate will be reflective, ask questions, be willing to take risks and make mistakes

QUALIFICATIONS

• BA preferred, minimum requirement for an infant, toddler, or two classroom is a Child Development Associate certification. Study plans are not accepted for ITT CDAs.
• Bilingual Mandarin/English a plus
• Minimum 3 years of professional teaching experience in an early childhood setting preferred
• Must be able to bend and list up to 40 lbs regularly and without restriction
• Available to work a mix of morning and afternoon shifts to cover aftercare preferred
• Strong oral and written communication with parents, children and co-workers

Benefits:

• Generous PTO Policy
• Competitive Salary
• Medical & Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• 403b Retirement Plans
• Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, and Amusement Parks, Etc.
• Free Gym Membership to our Manny Cantor Center Gym & 14^TH ST Y Gym
• Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org.