Working at The Common School

1st & 2nd Grade (Primary 2) Associate Teacher

The Common School – Amherst, MA

Are you an enthusiastic and dedicated educator eager to immerse yourself in a progressive,

student-centered learning environment? The Common School, a vibrant Nursery through

6th-grade school in Western Massachusetts, seeks a full-time Associate Teacher to work closely

with a classroom Head Teacher in fostering a dynamic, inclusive, multi-age classroom experience.

About The Common School:

Nestled within 140 acres of picturesque conservation land, The Common School offers an

engaging, hands-on educational experience that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep

commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship. Our mission is to cultivate

compassionate learners through a transformative, joyful, progressive education.

Position Overview:

The Associate Teacher will work closely with the classroom Head Teacher to implement a rich,

integrated curriculum that meets students’ developmental and academic needs. This role offers

the opportunity to lead small group instruction, actively contribute to curriculum planning, and

create a nurturing classroom environment where students feel valued and inspired to learn.

Key Responsibilities

● Collaborate in planning and delivering a dynamic, developmentally appropriate curriculum

that fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and deep engagement.

● Teach small group literacy and math lessons, adapting instruction to support a range of

learners.

● Foster a classroom culture emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

● Engage students in hands-on, thematic studies that connect learning to the real world.

● Supervise students during transitions, outdoor play, lunch, and other daily activities.

● Take the lead in classroom instruction when the Head Teacher is absent.

● Maintain open, thoughtful communication with students, colleagues, and caregivers.

● Communicate and maintain high standards for classroom management using active

supervision and positive and restorative approaches.

● Attend and contribute to faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and

school-wide events.

Please see the full position description here.

Qualifications Preferred:

● Master’s degree in education or a related field.

● Massachusetts Licensure

● 2+ years of teaching experience in early childhood or elementary education.

● Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and progressive pedagogy.

● Strong skills in collaboration, adaptability, and communication.

Salary range: $34,000 - $44,000, commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:

We seek candidates who will contribute to the racial, cultural, and gender diversity of our school

community. As part of our anti-bias hiring process, applicants are asked to follow these steps:

1. Submit a letter of interest

2. Provide a resume

3. Submit a written response to the equity, inclusion, and social justice statement

below*

4. Send a redacted copy of all three items with contact information and identifying

details removed.

Email materials to Hiring@commonschool.org

* The Common School is committed to social justice, critical thinking, and compassion for others.

We strive to ensure that our community of students, families, and staff actively contributes to a

caring and equitable environment. Please describe any personal background, training, work, or

other experience that demonstrates your ability to help us achieve this goal.

Join us in shaping a learning community where children are empowered to explore,

question, and grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens!

We are accepting applications for Substitute Teachers to work with all ages. Substitutes should be available for work either for pre-planned absences or for last minute (early morning) calls.

Full job description here.

Email your resume to hiring@commonschool.org