Lower School Kindergarten Teacher

Early Childhood Teacher (Kindergarten)

The Academy of St. Joseph (AoSJ) is a small, independent Catholic PK–8 school in New York City's West Village, built on a mission of forming students in character, competence, and compassion. We are a community where teachers know their students deeply, relationships are at the heart of the work, and great teachers are given room to do their best work.

We are seeking an Early Childhood Teacher to join our Lower School team for the 2026–27 school year.

This position is at the heart of what we are building  kindergarten classroom is a close-knit, relationship-centered environment where a skilled teacher can do some of their best work — small class sizes, close family partnerships, and a community that takes early childhood seriously. The role is grounded in kindergarten, with the possibility of serving a combined early childhood classroom depending on enrollment.

This is an opportunity for an educator who brings deep knowledge of child development, a structured and warm classroom presence, and genuine excitement about being part of a school that is investing in its youngest learners as a strategic priority.

• Plan and deliver a developmentally appropriate, academically rich curriculum integrating early literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning
• Differentiate instruction to meet a range of developmental levels and learning styles within the classroom
• Build a structured, warm classroom environment that supports independence, curiosity, executive functioning, and positive relationships
• Integrate Catholic values and faith formation naturally into the daily life of the classroom
• Use New York City as a resource — through field work, neighborhood connections, and real-world learning experiences that bring curriculum to life
• Communicate student progress through written reports, family conferences, and regular updates
• Serve as a primary classroom teacher and consistent anchor for students and families throughout the year
• Actively support enrollment by engaging prospective families warmly during school tours, open houses, and admissions events
• Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum planning, student support, and interdisciplinary initiatives
• Mentor and collaborate with an associate teacher where applicable
• Participate fully in school life — meetings, professional development, and school events
• Contribute to a faculty culture of growth, honesty, and continuous improvement

• Bachelor's degree required;
  Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field strongly preferred
• Minimum 3 years of lead teaching experience in early childhood or primary grades
• Deep knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice
• Strong classroom management rooted in structure, warmth, and high expectations
• Experience differentiating instruction across a range of developmental levels and learning styles
• Flexibility, creativity, patience, and a sense of humor
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a commitment to genuine family partnership
• Comfort engaging prospective families and contributing to admissions and enrollment efforts
• Collaborative mindset and openness to feedback
• Commitment to the mission and values of a Catholic school community

Salary range: $55,000 – 90,000, commensurate with education and experience per the school's salary scale. AoSJ offers health benefits and supports ongoing professional development.

August 2026, with exact date to be confirmed upon hire.