Career Opportunity: Lower School Assistant Teacher (2025-2026)

Clean Professional Job Summary

Manhattan Country School (MCS) is seeking a dedicated Lower School Assistant Teacher for the 2025-2026 academic year in New York, NY. MCS is a unique K-8 independent school recognized for its progressive pedagogy, commitment to social justice, and environmental education. Assistant Teachers at MCS enter a structured three-year program, working full-time under the mentorship of a Head Teacher. This role is ideal for emerging educators who possess a deep understanding of child development and a passion for building inclusive, inquiry-based learning communities.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Support: Deliver differentiated instruction to individuals and small groups to reinforce core lessons and accommodate various learning modalities.
Curriculum Development: Collaborate with the Head Teacher to design and implement an interdisciplinary, age-appropriate curriculum focused on social and environmental justice.
Classroom Management: Assist in maintaining a productive learning environment and preparing all necessary instructional materials.
Student Assessment: Write detailed student progress reports and actively participate in family-teacher conferences.
Community Engagement: Attend weekly faculty meetings and represent the school at events such as Curriculum Night and Open House.
Operational Duties: Fulfill daily supervisory requirements, including early arrival, lunch, and park (recess) coverage.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree required. A graduate degree in Education (completed or in-progress) is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience: Prior experience in elementary classrooms, such as student teaching or previous assistant teaching roles.
Collaborative Spirit: Proven ability to work effectively within a team-teaching model and a commitment to professional growth.
Diversity & Equity: A demonstrated commitment to working in a diverse environment that values multiple perspectives and social justice activism.

About the Company

Manhattan Country School, founded in 1966, stands as a leader among NYC independent schools for its radical commitment to equality. The school’s mission is defined by its sliding-scale tuition model and its 180-acre working farm in the Catskills (Roxbury, N.Y.), where students learn sustainability and community responsibility. MCS educators are activists as much as instructors, fostering an environment where children are encouraged to question the status quo and work toward a more just world.

Market & Industry Context

Manhattan Country School operates within the elite NYC Independent School market but distinguishes itself through its specific focus on “progressive education.”

While many private schools in Manhattan have historically struggled with diversity, MCS was founded with the explicit goal of reflecting the racial and economic demographics of New York City.

Diversity Statistics (Approximate)

Student Body: Historically, roughly 50% of students identify as people of color, compared to an average of ~30-35% in other NYC independent schools.
Socioeconomic Diversity: Approximately 40% of families receive some form of tuition assistance, ensuring a wide range of economic backgrounds within the classroom.
The “Farm” Component: Unlike most urban schools, environmental education is a core credit, with students spending multiple weeks per year at the Roxbury farm starting in the lower grades.

Career Growth & Progression Path

The Assistant Teacher Program at MCS is a structured, multi-year professional development track:

Year 1: Focus on classroom management, foundational pedagogy, and the MCS “mentorship” model.
Years 2-3: Increased responsibility in curriculum design and independent lead-teaching moments.
Professional Networking: Assistants are integrated into the broader New York Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) network, providing access to city-wide workshops and job fairs.
Alumni Success: Many MCS Assistant Teachers transition into Head Teacher roles within the network or at other prestigious progressive institutions across the country.

Interview Preparation Insights

Inquiry-Based Learning: Be prepared to discuss how you encourage “curiosity” in the classroom. How do you handle a student’s “why” questions?
Social Justice in the Lower School: Prepare specific examples of how you would introduce complex topics like equity or environmentalism to young children (ages 5-10) in an age-appropriate way.
The Teaching Demo: As part of the interview, you will be asked to demonstrate your teaching skills. Focus on your ability to engage a small group and differentiate your instruction on the fly.
Conflict Resolution: MCS values “collaborative work.” Be ready to discuss how you would navigate a professional disagreement with a lead teacher or a difficult conversation with a parent.

Salary & Compensation Insight

Annual Salary: $53,068.
Collective Bargaining: This position is covered under the LOC2110 collective bargaining agreement, ensuring standardized raises and workplace protections.
Contract Structure: One-year initial contract with options for a second or third year (three-year cap on the Assistant program).

Work Environment & Location Insights

The school is located in Manhattan, NY, with a highly collaborative and politically active staff culture. The environment is “intellectually charged,” and educators are expected to be lifelong learners. A unique aspect of the role is the integration of the Catskills Farm; while the position is primarily based in the city, the curriculum and school ethos are deeply tied to the rural environmental program in Roxbury, N.Y.

Short Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

Manhattan Country School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. MCS proactively seeks to build a diverse and inclusive staff that reflects the community it serves.

Category	Details & Specifications
Employer	Manhattan Country School (MCS)
Location	New York, NY (Upper West Side)
School Type	K-8 Independent School (Progressive/Social Justice Focus)
Contract Term	1-year contract (Option for 2nd or 3rd year; 3-year max program)
Hiring Cycle	School Year 2025-2026
Labor Status	Position covered under LOC2110 collective bargaining agreement

Compensation & Shift Structure

Component	Details
Annual Salary	$53,068
Employment Type	Full-Time
Mentor Model	Paired with a Head Teacher for direct mentorship
Additional Duties	Early arrival, lunch, and park (recess) coverage

Instructional Framework & Responsibilities

Focus Area	Actionable Tasks
Curriculum	Assist in designing/implementing interdisciplinary, inquiry-based curriculum.
Differentiation	Provide 1-on-1 or small group instruction for varying learning modalities.
Environment	Maintain classroom materials and support proactive classroom management.
Administration	Write progress reports and participate in family/parent conferences.
Community	Attend weekly faculty meetings, Curriculum Nights, and Open Houses.

To apply for this job please visit manhattancountryschool.myschoolapp.com.