Lower School (K-4) Associate Teacher

The San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), located in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, educates K-8 students in the tradition of Quaker learning. By example and commitment, we hope to inspire all connected with our school to work together toward a peaceful and caring society. The school has vibrant and creative programs in the arts, service learning, technology, social justice, and social-emotional learning, as well as the core academic subjects. For further information about San Francisco Friends School’s beginnings, mission, and philosophy, please visit our website at​ www.sffriendsschool.org.

At San Francisco Friends School, we believe that students thrive when they are immersed in both the joy and the challenge of learning. Our philosophy is clear: we offer an academically rigorous program rooted in a progressive approach and Quaker values that is intellectually engaging, purposeful, and affirming of the spirit of each child. We seek individuals who are passionate about teaching students in grades K-8 and resonate with our Friends School mission to join our caring and welcoming professional community. 

Job Summary

The Lower School Associate Teacher is a respected professional in our community. They work together with lead classroom teachers and our specialist teachers to meet a wide range of academic and social developmental needs of students in grades K-4. For those newer to teaching, our approach provides a hands-on opportunity to collaborate with experienced mentor teachers on all aspects of classroom life and gain valuable professional development in a supportive setting. In turn, the Associate Teacher/mentor pairing allows SFFS to provide a collaborative team teaching approach that allows for low student-teacher ratio, small-group instruction, and individualized attention. 

Associate Teachers are part of a two-year program. They are paired with a single classroom/grade for a year.  In the associate teacher’s second year, a new pairing may be made to broaden the Associate Teacher’s perspective and deepen their learning.  

Responsibilities include close collaboration on curriculum development, assessments and reporting, student portfolios, clear communication with parents/guardians, committee involvement, and attendance at all special events and field trips. Through teaching, observing, and collaborating with other teachers, an Associate Teacher plays a vital role in all aspects of school life, gaining valuable experience in the following areas, including but not limited to: 

• Preparing for, planning, and leading some whole group, small group and individual activities and lessons 
• Responding to individual student’s learning differences and implementing enrichment opportunities and support to achieve student goals
• Collaborating with Student Learning Services and Health & Wellness Team to meet the needs of individual learners
• Preparing for and participating in parent/guardian teacher conferences and report writing 
• Participating in classroom preparation, organization, and logistical responsibilities
• Creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that honors and nurtures each child’s intersectional identities
• Meeting with classroom teacher and teaching team regularly, as well as participating in weekly faculty meetings and professional development days
• Developing respectful relationships with students 
• Managing daily parent/guardian communications, with supervision and feedback from mentor teacher 
• Attending Back to School Night and other curriculum-focused evening events
• Supervising students at recess, carpool, lunch, etc.
• Chaperoning field trips (K-4) and overnight outdoor education trips (grades 3-4)
• Participating in assemblies and other special events
• Serving on committees and working groups, as needed
• Opportunities to co-lead affinity groups, serve in the student admissions process, and/or coach a sports team

Qualifications:

Must Demonstrate

• Bachelor’s degree 
• Experience working with children
• Desire to pursue a career in education
• Commitment to professional growth, reflective practice, and growth mindset
• Strong ability to work collaboratively
• Openness to Quaker philosophy and the Friends School Mission

Preferred Qualities:

• Student teaching experience or classroom experience with children in K-4
• Strong preference for individuals either in or considering credentialing and/or advanced degree programs in education
• Knowledge of progressive pedagogy and facility with hands-on and project-based instruction
• Language skills in Spanish
• Is inspired to be an active and engaged member of the SFFS community

Physical requirements:

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices, and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits Summary:

$2,887.50 per semi-monthly pay period ($57,750 if annualized)

Medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance and AD&D, long-term disability insurance; matching 403b; and generous paid time off, including personal time, academic vacations, and sick leave; and professional development.

EEO Commitment: