Associate Teacher at The Educational Alliance Inc.

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionEducational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization, and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming–now across 15 sites—focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.Early Childhood at Manny Cantor Center is a pioneering integrated preschool program, blending Head Start, UPK and private funding to serve families across the economic spectrum on the Lower East Side. Our inspired, responsive and progressive program is built on a few simple principles: All children are competent, capable and curious. All families have something to contribute. We are stronger together.Working within inspired and dynamic teams, our Associate Teachers are helping to build a vision for progressive education in Chinatown and the Lower East Side. Inspired by progressive schools around the world, we believe that all children learn through inquiry, exploration and play in the context of strong relationships and a sense of belonging. Our teachers create responsive, safe, joyful and nurturing learning environments for children for children aged 0-5 that foster inquiry, exploration, learning & reflection; collaborate with co-teachers to plan an emergent curriculum based on observations of children’s interests and development; document children’s learning through photographs, anecdotes, panels and mini-stories; facilitate communication and collaboration between the family and the preschool. This position would be for a “floater” teacher who would work across different classrooms. Associate Teachers will work Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 5:30pm. RESPONSIBILITIESPlanning, Preparation + Curriculum Development Co-constructing curriculum, based on children’s interests, questions and developmentDocumenting, reflecting and planning from observationsParticipating in weekly planning meetings with teaching teamMeeting the needs of all children, including English language learnersClassroom EnvironmentPlanning and creating a classroom environment with inquiry, exploration, learning and respect in mindNurturing children’s home languages through curated books, materials and the physical environmentCreating a warm and inclusive environment where children and families feel welcomeOrganizing physical space and selection of materials in a way that is inviting and accessible to childrenCreating visual evidence of the narratives and curriculum occurring in your classroomInteractions with Children Speaking and listening to children with respect and mindfulnessSupervising the whole group, while giving individual attentionManaging classroom procedures including transitions, routines and small groupsEngage students in exploration and ongoing project workScaffolding children through conflict and problem solvingRelationships with FamiliesBuilding respectful and reciprocal relationships with familiesCommunicating consistently with families Professional Responsibilities Documenting children’s learning, development and progressMaintaining collaborative and professional relationships with colleagues Mentoring Associate and Assistant teachersParticipating in weekly professional learning meetingsShowing professionalism including integrity, ethical conduct and decision makingThe candidate will be reflective, ask questions, be willing to take risks and make mistakesQUALIFICATIONSBA preferred, minimum requirement for an infant, toddler, or two classroom is a Child Development Associate certification. Study plans are not accepted for ITT CDAs.Bilingual Mandarin/English a plusMinimum 3 years of professional teaching experience in an early childhood setting preferredMust be able to bend and list up to 40 lbs regularly and without restrictionAvailable to work a mix of morning and afternoon shifts to cover aftercare preferredStrong oral and written communication with parents, children and co-workersBenefits:Generous PTO PolicyCompetitive SalaryMedical & Dental InsurancePension Plan403b Retirement PlansDiscount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, and Amusement Parks, Etc.Free Gym Membership to our Manny Cantor Center Gym & 14TH ST Y GymDiscounts to programs at Educational AllianceLimitations and DisclaimerThe above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the positionEEO InfoEducational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org.Monday- Friday9:30am-5:30pm37.5