Episcopal School of Nashville (ESN) is an independent, diverse, and urban school dedicated to fostering a love of learning and a spirit of discovery in every student. Grounded in Episcopal values, ESN nurtures intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth, encouraging students to engage critically, act with integrity, and embrace inclusivity. What sets ESN apart is its commitment to a holistic education that blends rigorous academics with social-emotional learning, creative expression, and community engagement. The school’s Portrait of a Graduate emphasizes respect, responsibility, critical thinking, and lifelong learning, ensuring that students leave with the skills and character to thrive in an ever-changing world. Located in East Nashville, ESN also provides a close-knit, supportive environment where students, teachers, and families work together to cultivate a strong sense of belonging and purpose.

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Job Title: Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Education: Associate's degree or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field preferred, not required

Type: Long Term Sub (Mid September-December)

Reports to: Principal

Experience

• Experience working with young children preferred.
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a teaching team preferred.
• Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience supporting play-based preferred.

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to upholding the mission, philosophy, and values of Episcopal School of Nashville.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive classroom community.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Warm, patient, nurturing, and responsive approach to working with young children.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Flexibility, professionalism, and integrity.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respond positively to direction and feedback.
• Commitment to continuous professional growth.

Job Responsibilities

The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to create a safe, nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that supports the academic, social-emotional, physical, and spiritual growth of young children. The Assistant Teacher supports the implementation of classroom instruction, might provide individualized and small-group student support, helps maintain classroom routines and learning environments, and contributes to a positive school culture.

The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher reports to the Principal and works under the day-to-day direction of the Lead Teacher. The Assistant Teacher collaborates with the Lead Teacher and other faculty members to support student learning and development. The Principal retains responsibility for instructional expectations, teacher evaluation, and program implementation.

Classroom Instruction and Learning

• Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Support play-based, inquiry-based, and project-based learning experiences.
• Might work with individual students and small groups to reinforce skills and concepts introduced by the Lead Teacher.
• Support opportunities for exploration, creativity, problem-solving, independence, and purposeful play.
• Assist with integrating literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, outdoor learning, movement, art, music, and other learning experiences into the school day.
• Help prepare instructional materials, classroom resources, learning centers, and activities.
• Support differentiated instruction and learning experiences based on individual students' developmental needs.
• Observe students and share relevant information about student learning and development with the Lead Teacher.
• Assist with maintaining classroom documentation and student records as directed.

Classroom Environment

• Help establish and maintain a safe, organized, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment.
• Support classroom routines and procedures that promote independence, responsibility, and positive behavior.
• Foster respectful relationships among students and model appropriate social interactions.
• Support students' social-emotional development through responsive and nurturing classroom practices.
• Encourage curiosity, confidence, cooperation, and a love of learning.
• Assist with maintaining classroom materials, learning spaces, and shared areas.
• Maintain appropriate supervision of students throughout the school day.

Student Support and Supervision

• Provide academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support to individual students and small groups as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Support students as they develop independence, self-regulation, communication, and social skills.
• Assist students with transitions, routines, personal needs, and daily classroom responsibilities as developmentally appropriate.
• Support accommodations, interventions, and individualized strategies as directed by the Lead Teacher and student support team.
• Supervise students during classroom activities, transitions, recess, lunch, arrival, dismissal, specials, field trips, and other assigned activities.
• Communicate observations and concerns regarding student development or behavior to the Lead Teacher in a timely and professional manner.
• Help ensure student safety and follow all school procedures related to supervision, health, and safety.

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and other faculty members to support student success and a positive classroom culture.
• Follow the Lead Teacher's direction regarding daily classroom responsibilities, routines, and instructional support.
• Participate in faculty meetings, team meetings, professional development, and school events as assigned.
• Engage in instructional coaching and professional learning opportunities as appropriate.
• Implement classroom procedures and instructional practices established by the Lead Teacher and school.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to actively engage with students and colleagues throughout the school day.
• Contribute positively to the school community and support the mission and values of Episcopal School of Nashville.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit on the floor, stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and actively engage with young children throughout the school day.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to supervise and engage with students indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to assist young children with age-appropriate physical and personal needs.
• Regular use of classroom technology and instructional materials.