Preschool Associate Teacher

Garrison Forest Preschool seeks a creative and dynamic individual for a full-time Associate Teacher position in our Preschool, starting in August 2025. The salary range for this position is $33,000-$37,000 based on years of experience and education level; the exact compensation will be discussed during the hiring process.

GFS Core Responsibilities

Our faculty work to support academic programs and prepare the students in and out of the classroom to thrive in a complex, changing world. Their work inspires students to be authentic, brave, compassionate, curious, and spirited as they approach learning and leading with passion and purpose.

• Support and promote the mission and philosophy of Garrison Forest School
• Take responsibility for being a role model by maintaining an environment that fosters respect among students and colleagues
• Project a professional demeanor in conduct, speech, and dress
• Establish clear and appropriate academic goals
• Demonstrate effective planning skills
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of curriculum, subject matter, and child development
• Participate in professional development
• Correlate lesson/unit planning and assessments with designated curriculum
• Create and maintain curriculum maps on a regular basis
• Provide programs that actively engage students in making connections, solving problems, and thinking independently
• Tailor instruction to individual needs by using a range of teaching materials and a variety of assessment strategies
• Assist the lead teacher in appropriately assessing, documenting, and communicating learning performances by following grading and reporting guidelines
• Communicate with students in an effective and developmentally appropriate manner
• Create a secure and stimulating environment in which students grow in both autonomy and the ability to work and interact together
• Create and maintain a positive atmosphere that teaches and models respect, kindness, and honesty with students, parents, and colleagues
• Keep appropriate records of each child’s progress and notable behaviors and use those records to assess academic, emotional, physical, and social needs and strengths
• Develop and sustain relationships with parents to support each student's well-being and increasing autonomy
• Assist the lead teacher in planning, documenting and implementing clear and developmentally appropriate academic, social, emotional, and physical goals for each student
• Promote anti-bias approaches through the creation of respectful and affirming learning environments and experiences
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and orderly learning environment, keeping equipment and materials in good condition, arranging the classroom attractively, and keeping storage areas clean and organized
• Assist the lead teacher in supervising and supporting interns, volunteers, substitutes, and Child Development students as needed
• Attend faculty meetings and relevant parent meetings and contribute to those meetings
• Participate in the Admission process as needed
• Possess strong communication skills, a patient and thorough understanding of child development, and the ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues
• Assume other related duties when requested by administrators
• Work alongside the Administrative team to build a meaningful learning experience for students

Preschool Associate Faculty Specific Responsibilities

• Assist the lead teacher to communicate the curriculum and each child’s progress to parents and guardians, record attendance, notes, and photos daily on the Procare app, participate in formal and informal parent conferences a minimum of three times per year, and help teachers write Progress Reports
• Contribute to the life of the school by becoming involved in school activities (including one weekend activity with Residential Life program)
• Perform duties such as lunch monitoring, recess monitoring, carpool and other childcare needs as assigned
• Remain in compliance on all Office of Childcare regulations

Qualifications
 

• B.A degree in Early Childhood Education desirable
• All COMAR Staff Requirements for a Lead Preschool Teacher must be completed
• Prior experience working with preschool aged children in a school setting
• GFS seeks candidates who will contribute to and are committed to diversity and multicultural educational practices. Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse community is essential.

School Overview:

Garrison Forest School, located in Baltimore County, Maryland, is an independent, non-sectarian day and boarding school educating girls in grades K-12, with a coed preschool. GFS offers a national and international boarding program for girls in grades 8-12.  Founded in 1910 and set on a stunning 110-acre campus in suburban Owings Mills, Garrison Forest offers a program with many opportunities in Academics, the Arts, and Athletics.  Confident, creative, and compassionate, GFS girls are encouraged to be fully engaged within the school and with the local and global community around them as they develop their passions and their own authentic voices in a spirited and joyful environment.

Candidates should support the Mission, Core Values, and Statement of Respect of Garrison Forest School. Garrison Forest School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or disability in its employment policies and other school-administered programs.  Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.