Primary Associate Teacher
Fort Worth Country Day is looking to fill a Primary Associate Teacher position beginning with the 2024–2025 school year. Reporting to the Head of Lower School, we are seeking applicants who will be actively engaged and involved beyond the classroom as a member of a family-centered, independent school community. This primary level position is designed to allow educators who are new to the teaching field to gain valuable experience in the classroom while mentoring with a grade level team. The Associate will become immersed in the unique culture of independent school life. Teaching and observation time for the Primary Associate will be split equally amongst the 1st or 2nd grade level classrooms each year in order to maximize Associate exposure to different student populations and lead teacher instruction styles.
Guidelines:
The Associate will participate in the Teacher Induction Program (TIP). The Associate will report to school for the first year’s week of TIP, the week before regular faculty return to school. The Associate will then meet with the grade level team before students return to school to debrief about the TIP experience.
The Associate will attend the ISAS (Independent School Association of the Southwest) Beginning Teacher Institute for 3 days in the Fall.
The Associate will complete a book study under the guidance of the grade level team and when needed, support from the Academic Support Coordinator, Assistant Head of Lower School, and/or the Lower School Counselor.
Professional Growth:
The Associate will fully participate in meetings, trainings, and other responsibilities associated with being a lead teacher.
- Attend all monthly divisional faculty meetings and school-wide meetings and trainings
- Attend scheduled weekly meetings with grade level team
- Participate in lesson planning and development under the guidance of the grade level team
- Assess students in language arts and mathematics
- Complete a minimum of one day of observation in other primary classrooms in the fall and spring semesters. The Associate will debrief with the observed teacher and grade level team after each observation
- Participate in Fall and Spring parent conferences under guidance of grade level team
- Participate in narrative comment writing for progress notes and reports cards under guidance of grade level team
Evaluation:
The Associate will engage in self-assessment and goal setting. The Associate will videotape a lesson each year, and along with the grade level team, examine and critique the lesson. The Associate’s grade level team will provide guidance and feedback regarding performance and progress, but will not be involved in the formal evaluation of the Associate. The Assistant Head of Lower School will evaluate the Associate using current evaluative systems at FWCD.
School Involvement:
The Associate will be an active participant in the life of FWCD by attending various school functions (afternoon, evening, and weekend). Such functions include Back-to-School Night at the football game, Lower School Carnival, and Bingo. Whenever appropriate, the Associate will also coach and/or teach an after-school enrichment class for a stipend.
Responsibilities:
The Associate will assume all duties typically assigned to Primary Assistants:
- Seasonally decorate the foyer and halls in collaboration with colleagues
- Work with individual children or small groups of children
- Assume the role of lead teacher whenever lead teacher is out of the classroom
- Perform all designated duties including morning/afternoon carpool, lunch duty, and recess each day
- Maintain communication with other Associates regarding delegation of duties
- Arrive daily by 7:45 am and stay until necessary responsibilities and planning are completed
Grade Level Team-Associate Relationship:
The grade level team serves as advocates, supporters, and instructional coaches for the Primary Associate. The grade level team builds a trusting relationship by being the “Guides on the Side” and will not serve in an evaluative capacity. Grade level team members will divide mentoring opportunities and responsibilities amongst the team so that the Associate is able to receive guidance, feedback, and encouragement from a wealth of experience.
Physical Requirements:
- Must to be to stand for up to 8 hours per day
- Must be able to walk students to and from lunch, PE, art, music, etc. each day
- Bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, lifting
All employees of FWCD must:
- Embody, model and communicate the School’s mission and core values (respect, responsibility, kindness, courage, integrity and scholarship)
- Exhibit generous community spirit, professional flexibility, a sense of humor and a positive attitude
- Collaborate and work well with colleagues, parents and students
- Execute duties in a positive and punctual manner
- Be an enthusiastic lifelong learner driven toward professional self-improvement and personal growth
Equal Opportunity Employer / Statement of Inclusivity:
Fort Worth Country Day is an Equal Opportunity Employer that maintains a policy of nondiscrimination with respect to all employees and applicants for employment. The ideal candidate should possess a thoughtful approach and knowledge of intercultural communication and inclusion of underrepresented groups. Employment decisions at FWCD are based on merit, qualifications, abilities and performance, and are subject to the academic and business requirements of the School.
The FWCD Inclusivity Statement confirms: We believe that understanding and respecting differences not only inspires compassion and empathy, but also fosters intellectual curiosity and creativity. We embrace the diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives that comprise and enhance our learning environment. We commit to sustaining and growing an intentionally inclusive community.
About Fort Worth Country Day and the City of Fort Worth:
Fort Worth Country Day earned the distinction of being ranked one of the Best Companies to Work for in Fort Worth in 2018.
Fort Worth Country Day is a co-ed, junior kindergarten through grade 12 college-preparatory day school with approximately 1,100 students and 250 faculty and staff. The School seeks to promote inclusivity and retain a diverse faculty. The 104-acre campus offers excellent facilities for academics, arts and athletics. Faculty and administration nurture a collegial professional environment in which innovation is encouraged. Opportunities for ongoing professional development are exceptional. Fort Worth Country Day is proud of its school community where students, parents, faculty, staff and administration join together to develop an effective and enjoyable place to teach and learn.
Fort Worth ranks as one of the top 12 largest cities in the United States and is known for its vibrant arts, music and cultural life. The Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan region is home to over 6.5 million people. More information about the School is available at www.fwcd.org.
