[2026-2027] Associate Teacher

Job description

Position Overview: Our Associate Teacher position provides extensive development and training to forge a path to a lead teaching position within our KIPP NYC schools. Associate Teachers share the responsibilities of a classroom with a lead teacher while they develop their skills and gain valuable in-classroom experience. Duties and Responsibilities: General responsibilities include (but are not limited to): Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to support a curriculum that addresses the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students. Implement lessons prepared by the Lead Teacher that incorporate best practices and include accommodations for students' diverse needs. When not conducting whole-class instruction, use data to support small groups and individual students through an inquiry-based curriculum that promotes a love of learning. Plan and deliver daily small group intervention lessons. Provide coverage and ensure high-quality instruction during the short-term absence of the Lead Teacher. Work with guidance from the Lead Teacher to create a classroom environment that fosters learning and is developmentally appropriate for the students' maturity and interests. Observe Lead Teachers and engage in debriefing sessions to discuss classroom management and instructional strategies. Collaborate with Lead Teachers to plan lessons and review upcoming classroom activities. Direct the learning process to achieve curriculum goals, setting clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and effectively communicating these objectives to students. Utilize a range of instructional techniques and media that align with best practices, specific content expertise, physical space limitations, and the needs of individual students or groups. KIPP NYC will provide coaching, development, and tools for effective implementation. Assess student learning with the guidance of the Lead Teacher through ongoing observations, authentic assessments, and formal evaluations. Provide frequent feedback to students, communicate progress to parents, and prepare written progress reports. Modeling KIPP NYC’s character strengths in all interactions and communications with students, families, and staff. Successful associate teachers are able to: Collaborate with lead teachers to plan and deliver a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum aligned with Common Core standards. Actively seek and apply feedback from team leaders and instructional coaches to enhance their teaching practice. Use diagnostic assessment tools regularly to identify each student's learning strengths and needs, supporting targeted intervention and/or acceleration toward academic and leadership goals. Take appropriate measures to ensure a safe environment for all students in the classroom and throughout the school. Support the administration in enforcing all school policies and rules related to student life and behavior. Participate fully in professional development sessions, team meetings, and staff committees as needed. Maintain open and effective communication with students, parents, and community members. Carry out other job-related duties as assigned. Graduate School & Certification Pathway At KIPP NYC, we invest deeply in the development of our Associate Teachers. As part of the Associate Teacher Program, all Associate Teachers, who are not already certified in New York State, must enroll in a master's program that leads to New York State teacher certification. One benefit of joining our Associate Teacher program is the chance to earn your master’s degree—fully tuition-funded—through one of our graduate school residency partners. This means you can become a certified teacher while gaining hands-on experience in the classroom, without taking on the financial burden of graduate school. Thank you for your interest in becoming an Associate Teacher at KIPP NYC! If you are moving forward in our hiring process, you will hear back in January 2026. The Associate Teacher position is part of a one-year teacher fellowship. Full-time attendance is required beginning the first week of August 2026. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution. A passion for being part of a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture. Strong interpersonal skills that contribute to a collegial working environment and a healthy measure of the character traits we value: zest, grit, hope, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor. A strong desire to become a better teacher by joining the KIPP NYC team Open to feedback and willing to constantly reflect, improve, and learn. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus. Compensation and Benefits: KIPP NYC offers a competitive salary of $63,750 for all Associate Teachers. KIPP NYC offers a generous benefits package, including, but not limited to, the following: Robust benefits include medical, dental, and vision. Generous time off, including 5 school vacation weeks, sick and personal days, and an extended summer break. Up to 12 weeks of 100% parental leave. Bright Horizon Back-up Child and Elder Care. Employer-paid Life Insurance and Short-term/Long-term disability. Employee incentives include an 8-week paid Sabbatical after 10 years, annual professional development funds, and tuition reimbursement. This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee. This role is based in NYC and will require travel to our schools. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the state of NY, your employment will be subject to review, which may include separation from KIPP NYC. You must notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate. KIPP NYC LLC does not offer visa sponsorship or work authorization. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to creating a welcoming environment that includes employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving students and families throughout New York City. KIPP NYC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. About KIPP NYC: Founded in 1995, KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non-profit network of 18 free, public charter schools located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We partner with families and communities to create joyful, academically excellent schools where every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. From our first middle school, KIPP Academy in the Bronx, to today’s network of eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, and one high school, KIPP NYC provides students with engaging academics, arts, athletics, and social–emotional learning that prepare them for college, career, and beyond. Our commitment doesn’t end at graduation. Through KIPP Forward, we continue to support our alumni as they navigate college, career, and life, helping them define success on their own terms and pursue the paths that align with their goals and sense of purpose. Together, we serve more than 9,400 students, support 4,700 alumni, and employ over 1,100 dedicated team members who bring passion, expertise, and commitment to our mission every day.