Lower School Associate Teacher (K-3)

Wilmington Friends School, a preschool to 12th grade Quaker, college preparatory, day school located in Wilmington, Delaware, enrolling approximately 700 students, seeks associate teachers for kindergarten through fourth grade for the 2024-2025 academic year. Associate positions can be full- or part-time depending on grade level and enrollment. Some associate positions will include work in the after-school program as part of their full-time responsibilities. We work to find the best match in regard to teaching experience and philosophy for each lead-associate team. If interested, please send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to Jaime Fontanazza, Assistant Head of Lower School (jfontanazza@wilmingtonfriends.org). Please apply by April 25th, although interviews may begin as soon as materials are received.

The mission of Wilmington Friends School’s associate teacher program is to give lower school lead teachers excellent classroom support in their work with students while providing hands-on experience and mentoring to teachers relatively new to the field of education. Associate teachers support the work of lead teachers in a multitude of ways. Associate teachers are involved in virtually every aspect of classroom teaching. They have a range of responsibilities depending on their interests and level of experience and on the particular lead teacher with whom each is working. Over the course of the year, an associate teacher is typically involved in the following duties:

In addition to classroom duties, associates are involved in a professional development program, including regular meetings with all associates, supervisory meetings with the assistant head of lower school, and professional development retreats. 

In addition to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, successful candidates usually have prior experience working with children, as well as coursework in elementary education. Most important is the ability to work closely with another teacher in supporting children’s growth. A candidate must be flexible and willing to take on various challenges to succeed in this job. Because we are looking to train future lead teachers through their work in the program, we are most interested in candidates who hope to gain teaching experience in preparation for taking on a lead teaching position. These positions, therefore, are structured as one- to three-year experiences. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, candidates committed to working on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, and members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) are particularly encouraged to apply.