The Spence School

LOWER SCHOOL ASSOCIATE TEACHER

Full-time position to begin August 2026

Overview

The Associate Teacher Program at the Spence Lower School provides the foundation for beginning teachers to prepare to ultimately become lead teachers of their own classroom. Associates typically remain at Spence for two years, as this allows them to teach in different grade levels and to work with more than one Head Teacher. Head Teachers work closely with their Associates to mentor them in the following areas:        

• The craft of teaching and the development of curriculum
• Strategies for teaching, including differentiation of instruction
• Classroom management
• Professionalism
• Student assessment
• Development of personal teaching style
• Communication with parents
• Active observation of students
• Weekly planning

Responsibilities 

Associate Teachers assist the Head Teacher with all day-to-day duties including lesson preparation and classroom set up. In addition to learning the craft of teaching by supporting the Head Teacher and assisting with classroom practices, Associate Teachers have additional responsibilities which include:

• Attending all faculty and grade level meetings
• Attending curriculum morning and admissions events
• Leading a reading group
• Serving as head teacher when needed and participating in planning
• Participating in school-wide professional development

Qualifications

• Possesses MA or MS (or working toward it) in Elementary Education preferred
• Has experience working with young children
• Finds joy in working with children and in school life 
• Approaches work with optimism, energy, kindness and a sense of humor
• Demonstrates cultural competency and skills engaging with and learning from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Supports Spence’s commitment to equity and inclusion
• Has a disposition toward learning from and with colleagues about teaching practice

Spence is committed to an equitable program and a diverse faculty and student body. We therefore actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds. 

About The Spence School

The Spence School, founded in 1892, is an independent school for girls and young women with an enrollment of 750 students in Grades K–12. Spence is committed to an equitable and inclusive program and a diverse faculty, staff and student body. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Connections working at The Spence School