10 months, Faculty Exempt

Key School is seeking a First Grade Teacher Assistant for the 2026-2027 academic year to work in partnership with a classroom teacher.The successful candidate will have previous experience in early childhood or elementary education, understands the developmental needs of young children, and demonstrates genuine warmth and concern for young children.Reporting to the Lower School Division Head, the First Grade Teacher Assistant will work collaboratively with the First Grade team to provide an age-appropriate, culturally responsive program for six and seven-year-old students.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assists individual and small groups of students in literacy and mathematics instruction inside and outside of the classroom
• Attends and participates in specials classes on an as-needed basis
• Supports the efforts of the lead teacher and students
• Works collaboratively with the lead teacher to manage the classroom environment and execute planned lessons
• Assumes the teaching role on occasion
• Completes classroom administrative tasks
• Supports the Lower School as a whole on an as-needed basis
• Engages in and applies the professional development provided by the School

The Ideal Candidate Possesses the Following Characteristics:

• Commitment to Key School’s values
• Self-motivated, proactive, flexible, enthusiastic, and reliable
• Enjoys working with children and facilitating their curiosity and learning
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish trust and credibility 
• Understands and supports the tenants of an early childhood classroom environment
• Understands the age-appropriate expectations as well as the range of development for six and seven-year-old children
• Understands the importance of foundational literacy and numeracy skill development
• Ability to work under the leadership and direction of a lead teacher
• Promotes principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in both classroom programs and practices
• Demonstrates a comfort with technology, in particular learning management systems such as Google Classroom

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of one year experience in an early childhood or elementary classroom environment

Compensation/Benefits: 

Key School offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, a generous 403(b) Plan, and much more.The salary range for this position is $26,900-$35,285 and is based upon several factors that include, but are not limited to, the candidate’s work experience and education.

Physical Requirements:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.The ability to navigate stairs as part of daily routines; mobility around a mid-size campus with uneven pavement. The ability to maneuver as necessary within a regular classroom; and the ability to rearrange furniture for activities is occasionally required.

Technical Competencies : 

All candidates for teaching positions should be familiar with learning management systems such as Seesaw and Google Classroom and have the ability to create and deliver engaging multimedia content using a variety of digital tools. Key is a Google Workspace for Education school. Candidates should be proficient in using Google applications, have a solid understanding of cloud-based storage and file-sharing platforms, and efficiently manage email and scheduling using Gmail and Google Calendar. They should be proficient in virtual communication tools such as Zoom or Google meet and have basic troubleshooting skills to resolve common technical issues that may arise in the classroom. 

Work Schedule/Travel: 

Occasionally, there may be school functions that will require your presence to work flexible hours, including nights and/or weekends. Additionally, participation in scheduled faculty meetings is required.

About the School

Founded in 1958 by professors from St. John's College, Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory program on its picturesque 15-acre campus 4 miles from downtown Annapolis. 

Key School is a dynamic, tight-knit community deeply committed to ensuring students are supported and challenged to excel educationally and personally and be confident, courageous, critical thinkers prepared to engage with the world. Our Community is as diverse as it is warm and welcoming. 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 

Key is particularly interested in candidates with experience in creating inclusive school settings and who are culturally responsive. We are seeking candidates with a commitment to educational equity and justice. We learn and grow both as individuals and as a school community when students and adults of diverse backgrounds, abilities and identities develop an understanding of and respect for our commonalities and differences. Together, we have created a community that reflects diversity across a broad spectrum and will help fulfill Key’s promise to prepare our students for the challenges and responsibilities they will assume in an increasingly connected yet diverse and pluralistic world. The diverse student body is 39% students of color, and 32% of our students receive financial aid to create a socioeconomically diverse community.  Learn more about our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Key.

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, completed application, and three professional references by selecting the link.

About Key School, Inc.

SCHOOL CULTURE STATEMENT Founded in 1958 by professors from St. John's College, Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory, day program on its picturesque 15-acre campus located 4 miles from downtown Annapolis. Perhaps no mandate in Key School's Mission Statement lies closer to the heart of the community than its injunction to "Sustain an ethical school culture that engenders an inherent respect for the dignity of every human being, recognizes that personal liberty must be balanced by personal responsibility and individual action by the needs of others, and stresses to all members of the School community the importance of trust, mutual respect, and compassion." Key students are collaborative critical thinkers who are motivated and open-minded. Highly committed to their students, Key faculty and staff are supportive, industrious, creative, and approachable. A student-centered environment, Key places great value on respectful open discourse among students and adults alike. With a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Key is particularly interested in candidates with experience in creatin...g inclusive school settings and who are culturally responsive. We are seeking candidates with a commitment to educational equity and justice. Key School is an equal opportunity employer.

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