Preschool Associate Teacher

Job Title:	Associate Teacher
Department:	Preschool
Position Reports to:	Director of Preschool and Early Childhood
Salary and FLSA Status:	$32.00 / Hourly

Position Overview
The Associate Teacher is responsible for supporting the Lead Teacher in the preschool children’s learning experiences. The Associate Teacher will provide aid in student’s emotional and instructional needs, classroom management and classroom upkeep. The Associate is encouraged to take initiative and extend their areas of skill and expertise.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to Third Street’s philosophy and educational goals for children.
• Support and guide classroom and outdoor activities according to the Lead Teacher’s recommendations.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of classroom activities in accordance with the Lead Teacher.
• Participate in discussions of curriculum development.
• Contribute to the upkeep of an orderly, safe, curriculum rich and aesthetically pleasing classroom environment.
• Attend and actively participate in all required preschool meetings and professional development sessions. All meetings are in-person unless otherwise indicated by the Director.
• Participate in Parent/Teacher conferences in coordination with the Lead Teacher.
• Promote intentional and open-ended play experiences.
• In conjunction with the Lead Teacher, work toward creating enriching and exciting curriculum that includes project-based learning and the arts.

Professional Expectations

• Follow all applicable policies and procedures in Third Street’s employee handbooks and manuals and compliant with all applicable regulations.
• Effectively incorporate feedback and direction from supervisor.
• Uphold confidentiality, limiting discussions of children and families to constructive conversations with the Director and Lead Teacher.
• Actively contribute to building and maintaining a supportive and respectful community for the preschool and Third Street Music School as a whole.
• Reliable in attendance and arrives punctually. Contacts supervisor in advance when expecting to be absent or late.
• Learner and eager to grow in their profession.
• Respectful team member, working cooperatively with the Lead Teacher, knowledgeable about all of the nuances of the classroom within which s/he is working.

Early Childhood Learning and Growth

• Make ongoing observations of children and support their learning and growth.
• Alert to individual children’s patterns of behavior and share observations with the Lead Teacher.
• Support children in their efforts to build independence, resilience and confidence.
• Encourage children to engage in all areas of the classroom.
• Maintain appropriate limits and expectations for children.
• Demonstrate a working understanding of child development.

Communication

• Warm, generous and responsive to young children.
• Friendly and respectful with parents and colleagues.
• Work well collaboratively.
• Extend and facilitate positive interaction among students.

Qualifications

• College level coursework in early childhood development or equivalent, bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience as an Early Childhood Associate Teacher, Student Teacher or Intern.
• Three references verifying teaching experience.
• Compliant with all applicable regulations.
• Clearance of a background check.

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:  As the nation’s longest-running community music school, Third Street Music School has been transforming lives through the arts for 132 years. In 1894, Third Street was founded by Emilie Wagner, an arts education pioneer who made music education the cornerstone of a settlement house that welcomed immigrants to NYC and provided families with housing support, food, and medical care alongside arts enrichment. Today, Third Street is committed to leveraging arts education to empower youth to reach their fullest potential and unite the diverse communities of NYC. Third Street serves 5,000+ students annually, enriching their lives and communities.
Third Street’s core programs include: 1) music and dance instruction for people of all ages, offered seven days a week; 2) public school, public housing, and community partnerships ( Third Street Partners ) providing instruction in 30+ underserved schools and community centers; 3) a music-infused preschool for students 6 months to five years; and 4) a performance program with over 250 live and virtual concerts annually for more than 10,000 audience members at Third Street and celebrated venues across NYC.
Our Commitment to diversity embraces a collegial Third Street community in which faculty and staff of every racial identity feel a sense of belonging, feel supported and valued in their work without feeling tokenized.