Assistant Teacher, First Grade

Free Union Country School (preschool through fifth grade) is located in Albemarle County, VA, just 15 minutes outside of Charlottesville. We are a community where learning is valued for children and adults, individuals are respected, diversity is understood as a strength, and teamwork is essential. It is our job to create an environment that supports intellectual curiosity, creativity, self-confidence, kindness, and respect. To this end, we use experiential, inquiry-based, and collaborative methods of teaching with attention given to academic and social development. We seek a 5-day-a-week Assistant Teacher for Kindergarten classroom.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Classroom Support:

Work closely with the Lead Teacher to implement daily lessons and activities. Assist in preparing and organizing the classroom each day. Communicate openly with colleagues and families.

Facilitate Learning:

Supervise and engage with children in various small-group activities, nurturing their curiosity and problem-solving skills. Assist with

Routines and Care:

Guide children through daily routines with patience and care.

Social-Emotional Support:

Foster a positive, inclusive classroom community. Model warm, respectful interactions and guide children in developing academic and social-emotional skills. Collaborate with

Teachers and Families:

Be an active, communicative member of our teaching community. Work side-by-side with the Lead Teacher and other staff to ensure consistency and high quality in all classroom activities.

Preferred Qualities:

Education:

College degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (Child Development, Early Elementary, etc.) is highly preferred. A Bachelor's degree is ideal, but an Associate's degree combined with relevant experience will be considered.

Certification:

Current Infant/Child First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain certification promptly upon hire.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills :

Excellent communication skills with both children and adults. The ability to speak with children at their level, listen actively, and convey instructions with clarity and warmth.

Personal Qualities:

A warm, nurturing demeanor with a genuine passion for working with young children is essential. The ideal candidate is kind, positive, and compassionate. Creativity, flexibility, and a sense of joy in the little everyday successes of children will help you thrive in our environment. Full-time positions include a competitive benefits package. Compensation is determined based on experience, credentials, and position requirements. We are a community committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strongly encourage applicants who will help us advance those values. How to

Apply:

Please submit the following materials to laura.s@freeunioncountryschool.

org:

Letter of application addressed to Timothy Baynum, Head of School Resume or curriculum vitae Brief statement of educational philosophy Contact information for three professional references

NONDISCRIMINATION

Free Union Country School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identification, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its staf ing, admissions, tuition assistance, educational policies, extracurricular or other school-administered programs.

Work Location:

In person