Mary McDowell Friends School is a K-12 college preparatory program dedicated to the success of students with learning disabilities. Grounded in the Quaker values of equality, integrity, and social responsibility, we cultivate a diverse community in which each student can reach his or her full potential. Our specialized teaching methodologies and challenging curricula empower students to become academic achievers, creative thinkers, and contributing members of a global society.

Mary McDowell Friends School (MMFS) invites applications for a full-time Associate Science Teacher beginning August 2026.

Position Overview

As an Associate Teacher, you will support the mission of the school by overseeing the safety and well-being of the students in advisory, content area classes, clubs, and co-curricular activities. You will monitor and stimulate educational and social-emotional growth within the framework of the school’s mission by collaborating with your teaching partner to implement a curriculum that meets the needs of the MMFS student.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Students

Teaching responsibilities may vary depending on the needs of specific students or a division and will be executed with the partnership of a cooperating Head Teacher :

• Co-lead an Advisory group
• Core content area (e.g., Science)
• Work in collaboration with the teaching partner to implement a curriculum that meets the needs of the MMFS students
• Support the implementation of differentiated materials in content area classes
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
• Assign and provide feedback to class work and homework
• Assess students’ needs and growth within the curriculum
• Communicate the daily routine, rules, and procedures to your students as well as informing students of any changes within the daily schedule
• Share expectations and school policies and help to enforce rules with students
• Supervise advisory students when participating in division-wide and school-wide activities such as silence, assembly, and meeting special guests
• Work with teaching partners to implement advisory projects, including but not limited to community service, buddy class activities, and field trips
• Support the organizational needs of the students
• Implement individualized student plans for homework, organization, and behavior
• Act as the advocate for advisory students by supporting each student in their relationships with other teachers and working with the cooperating teacher to be the primary point person with parents
• Order supplies for the room and core content subjects within the budget provided
• Notify a supervisor of any repairs or furniture needs for the classroom
• Notify the technology department and supervisor when repairs are needed for computers and other technology in the homeroom
• Structure the room so that others using the space can locate materials and feel comfortable sharing the space
• Straighten up the classroom at the end of the teaching day in such a way that enables the custodians to clean the room
• Supervise (These responsibilities will vary from year to year and may be altered depending on the teaching load of the specific teacher)
  • Study hall
  • Lunch duty – lunchroom and recess
  • Clubs
  • Overnight Trips
  • Advisory
• Identify student needs and cooperate with division directors,  Speech-Language Pathologist professionals, OTs, and psychologists/social workers to address students’ needs
• Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school programs

Faculty

• Meet regularly with your supervisor to discuss the curriculum and reflect on students’ progress
• Attend weekly division meetings
• Attend faculty meetings
• Participate in school-wide or division-based committees and ad hoc committees where necessary
• Participate in team meetings organized about students’ needs, grade issues, or curriculum topic area

Communication

• Work closely with teaching partner to design and implement curriculum and assess students’ needs
• Write, edit, and submit reports and grades
• Communicate with teaching partner to discuss students’ needs and progress. This may be through e-mail, written notes, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings
• Complete recommendations, evaluations, and other requests for information about students. Submit completed recommendations to the administrator
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences

Other

• Associate teachers will participate in training programs, workshops, and meetings designed to support their professional growth and development.
• Associate teachers are required to familiarize themselves with faculty handbook and employment manuals and meet the expectations outlined within each.

Additional information outlining specific job requirements related to specific student needs, curriculum, division-specific duties, and schedules will be made available during meetings with Division Directors, the Academic Dean, and/or Department Clerks.

Diversity and Equity Commitments:

• Understand and participate in all school-wide diversity and equity initiatives.
• Examine administrative practice through the lens of race, identity, equity, and privilege.
• Provide an equitable framework for leadership decisions.
• Support a school culture that allows for social identities to feel welcome.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt, ten-month position that follows the academic calendar. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a half-hour paid lunch; faculty meetings occur every Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand and will be scheduled in advance.

Travel

On occasion, travel between campuses is necessary for meetings, which are scheduled with advance notice and are within walking distance from each other. School trips are also scheduled with advance notice, and teachers are required to chaperone day-long and overnight school trips.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to maintain the physical capacity required to navigate the school environment and to ensure the safety of the students. The ability to open filing cabinets and bend or stand for long periods of time, as necessary. Classroom locations vary based on student schedules; this position occasionally ascends/descends stairs to teach from different rooms in the building.

The physical 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 the essential functions.

Application

To apply, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three professional references as a .pdf (preferable) or Word document. If your background and experience are appropriate for the position, you will be contacted directly by a member of our search committee.

We offer a rewarding work experience in downtown Brooklyn, NY, where we encourage employees to bring their whole selves to work. We recognize, appreciate, celebrate, and honor our diverse community as we build an awareness of who each individual is and who we are collectively.

Applicants who enhance the diversity of the school's faculty and administration are strongly encouraged to apply. Please visit our website for more information on our school and a full list of vacancies.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, this position's annual base salary range is $50,000 - $59,000. Mary McDowell Friends School considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, essential skills, internal peer equity, and market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Employment at Mary McDowell Friends School is based solely on qualifications and competence for a particular position, without regard to race, color, ethnic origin, nationality, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, familial status, or any other category protected by the law. Mary McDowell Friends School’s policy of non-discrimination extends to all employment practices, including but not limited to hiring, transfer, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, layoffs, and termination.

Required Education & Experience

BA in Science or related field. Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and external agencies to maximize performance and problem-solving and to achieve results. Willingness to learn and adapt to a new environment is required.

Preferred Education & Experience

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and G Suite applications. Experience in the special education, private sector, or Independent School system a plus. Commitment to equity and justice, including knowledge and skills related to cultural competency are desired.