Employment Opportunities

Job Announcement
Associate Teacher
Full-time, Non-Exempt Position

The Associate Teacher Program provides an opportunity for individuals who are interested in exploring a career in education. Associate Teachers experience, in a mentor relationship with a Head Teacher, the day-to-day workings of a K-8 independent school. Associate Teachers are assigned to one classroom for the school year; San Francisco Day School hires Associate Teachers at every grade level, K-6, as well as for the Art Department.

San Francisco Day School has made an explicit commitment to diversify its faculty, and provides specific training and support to enable individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds to explore teaching at an independent school. The philosophy of the program is that, through observing and participating in the life of the school and under the guidance of Head Teachers, Associate Teachers will gain valuable practical experience as well as opportunities to develop their own philosophy and style of teaching. Below is a summary of the description and expectations of the Associate Teacher position.

The Associate Teacher works as a professional assistant to the Head Teacher by:

• accepting, supporting and adopting the curriculum, classroom procedures and general classroom style and atmosphere established by the head teachers.
• assisting in planning and general classroom management.
• assuming responsibility, as requested by the head teacher, for classroom set-up, units of instruction, and both individual and group instruction.
• assuming responsibility for specified duties which include lunch and playground duty and dismissal and arrival duties.

Specific expectations of Associate Teachers are to:

• assist the head teacher in the setting-up of the classroom during the week prior to the opening of school and to help in the cleaning up of the classroom in June during the week after the close of school.
• arrive at 7:55 a.m. and stay beyond the class’s school day as needed.
• attend weekly faculty meetings and faculty in-service days.
• attend various school functions throughout the year including parent potluck dinners, performing arts programs, field days, and evening events.
• take part in field trips and in the Outdoor Education Program.
• assist the head teacher in the preparation of progress reports, parent/teacher conferences and Parents’ Night

Associate Teachers may expect to receive:

• development of teaching and classroom management skills and an opportunity to learn from experienced teachers.
• clear and continual sets of expectations from the Head Teacher.
• support and guidance from participation in regular meetings with other Associate Teachers and the Director of the Associate Teacher Program.
• frequent feedback on strengths and areas of improvement.
• a salary competitive with similar positions in Bay Area independent schools and full health and dental coverage.

Yearly contracts for Associate Teachers will begin mid-August of each school year . A New Teachers’ Orientation, required for all teachers new to San Francisco Day School, is held the week before full faculty meetings begin. Associate Teachers will also attend a Faculty Retreat with the permanent faculty and administrators.  The Associate Teachers Program is considered a one-year position, however Associate Teachers may apply for a second year. Associate Teachers then have the opportunity to continue their teaching career at San Francisco Day School by applying for an Co- Teacher position.

San Francisco Day School is an independent, co-ed day school serving approximately 400 students in grades K-8. SFDS educates, nurtures and inspires girls and boys of diverse backgrounds to achieve their highest academic and creative potential, to embrace ethical values, and to become active contributors to their communities. San Francisco Day School welcomes and celebrates children, families, faculty, and staff that reflect the broad range of diversity in the Bay Area. The School values the strengths and accomplishments of the individuals who are part of the community and takes pride in and celebrates the diversity and special character of the community as a whole. We fully and actively support equal opportunity for all people and encourage people of color and LGBT applicants to apply. SFDS offers excellent benefits and a competitive salary.

Associate Teacher must have a Bachelor’s Degree, an interest in exploring the teaching profession, and some experience working with children.

If you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, you can download and print an application. If you don't, please contact Meagan Nye , Director of the Co-Teacher and Associate Teacher Program, and request one. The application deadline is March 15.

Applications should be mailed to:

Meagan Nye
Director of Co-Teacher and Associate Teacher Program
San Francisco Day School
350 Masonic Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
mnye@sfds.net