Salary Range: $36,000 - $38,000. The position on the scale will be based on years of teaching experience and education.

Exemption Status: Exempt

The Dalton School, a progressive K-12 gender-inclusive school in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is consistently recognized as one of the preeminent independent day schools in the nation. Known for its child-centered approach and an exceptional, inspiring faculty, Dalton enrolls over 1,300 students with approximately 350 faculty and staff. Guided by the Dalton Plan, the foundation of a Dalton education, our faculty meets each student’s evolving needs, interests, and abilities. Dalton challenges each student to develop intellectual independence, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility toward others both within the School and in the broader community.

We are seeking an interim Second Grade Associate Teacher for the 2025-26 school year, with an anticipated start date in December 2025 and completion at the end of the school year in June 2026. This full-time position provides a valuable opportunity to deepen one's teaching practice in a child-centered, progressive school environment. The role concludes in June, and candidates who wish to continue their professional growth at Dalton are encouraged to reapply for future roles as they become available.

The Associate Teacher Program at The Dalton School provides a rich opportunity for emerging educators to learn and grow in a collaborative, progressive environment. Associate Teachers work closely with experienced Head Teachers and mentors to develop the essential skills of effective teaching while contributing meaningfully to the life of the classroom and the wider First Program community. Candidates must demonstrate a passion for working with young children, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to teaching, evidenced by ongoing graduate coursework and/or professional development.

Through hands-on experience, guided reflection, and ongoing professional learning, Associate Teachers engage deeply in all aspects of classroom life—from planning and leading lessons to assessing student progress and supporting social-emotional growth. Throughout their time, Associates are supported through mentorship, observation, and participation in divisional and school-wide professional learning opportunities.

Responsibilities:

• Planning and leading small group or whole-class lessons.
• Assessing and documenting students’ needs.
• Attending and actively participating in grade-level meetings, parent-teacher conferences, student support meetings, Associate Teacher meetings, and professional development sessions.
• Engaging in curricular planning and classroom management discussions.
• Writing student narrative reports each trimester.
• Supervising lunch, recess, and dismissal duties.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Enrollment in or progress toward an advanced degree Elementary or Early Education is required.
• Previous experience working with children aged 5-9 years old is preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and families.
• Exceptional organizational and executive functioning skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong proficiency with technology to support instruction, assessment, and communication.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ease in effectively prioritizing multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Quick learner and reflective practitioner, eager to receive feedback and grow professionally through mentorship and collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, follow through on commitments, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Bilingual English/Spanish speakers are highly encouraged to apply, as students begin learning Spanish in kindergarten.
• Exhibits professionalism in demeanor, attire, and interactions, maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating respect in all professional contexts.

The Dalton School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by applicable law in the administration of our educational policies, hiring policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to the employment portal using the following link - https://www.dalton.org/employment

About The Dalton School

The Dalton School is an independent, co-educational day school (K-12), founded in 1919 by the renowned progressive educator Helen Parkhurst. Parkhurst’s visionary Dalton Plan remains the keystone of the school’s progressive educational philosophy and is now the model for over 200 Dalton schools in other parts of the world. The Dalton School is the innovative leader in developing creative problem solvers who identify issues, grapple with possibilities, and design solutions to global challenges from multiple perspectives. Dalton is recognized for its rigorous, innovative educational curriculum and offers its 1,300 students a breadth of stimulating and challenging programs taught by our dedicated faculty. Our high academic standards are complemented by an exemplary performing and fine arts curriculum – taught by faculty who are professionals in their fields – and a full range of athletic teams and extra-curricular activities. The Dalton School actively seeks to forward diversity through its programs and hiring.

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