Lower School Art Associate Teacher (2026-2027)

Riverdale Country School, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent all-gender school in New York City, is dedicated to inspiring students to live meaningful and purpose-driven lives. The school achieves this by fostering a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity, supported by a diverse and inclusive community. Riverdale emphasizes both high challenge and high support in its approach to education, encouraging students to engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning, research, and experiential education, both inside and outside the classroom and beyond our campuses. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

At Riverdale, we strive to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in our students, faculty, and staff. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community enriches the educational experience and is integral to our mission. With a student body of approximately 1,300 students from 117 different zip codes, Riverdale is a vibrant community where 48% of our students identify as students of color. 

We seek to employ educators and leaders who bring a student-centered approach, passion for their work, a commitment to DEIB, and a desire to contribute to the growth and development of our entire school community.

Associate Teachers at Riverdale are members of a cohort program designed for individuals who are in the early stages of their careers as educators. Associate Teachers work alongside a Head Teacher and play an important role in the experience of our students and colleagues. 

Lower School Art at Riverdale has classes of approximately 20 students and this strong teacher-to-student ratio supports faculty in cultivating deep relationships and a sense of belonging for each child. Our Art program focuses on opportunities to develop creativity and expression alongside a set of artistic skills to enhance visual communication.  

Associate Teachers are predominantly involved in supporting students through small-group or 1:1 instruction. On occasion, they also have the opportunity to lead full-group lessons as well. As full-time faculty members, Associate Teachers are also members of the Art team that engage in frequent collaboration related to planning, instruction, and assessment directly connected to student learning. 

In addition to the intensive and hands-on teaching experience, Associate Teachers also receive ongoing professional development. These opportunities are geared toward strengthening foundational teaching practices as well as supporting individuals in their pursuit of future career opportunities. Associate Teachers may remain at Riverdale a maximum of three years and are supported in their pursuit of other opportunities beyond their time at the school.

Faculty members are expected to engage in all aspects of work with an open mind, a positive disposition, and a commitment to collaboration. Additionally, Riverdale seeks candidates who are dedicated to supporting a diverse and inclusive community. A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required for the position. Preference is given to individuals with prior experience working with elementary-aged students as well as a master's degree in a related field of study.

The salary range for this position is based on our Associate Teacher salary scale. Associate Teachers are placed on the scale based on years of experience.  Next year’s salary scale for Associate Teachers will range from approximately $44,000-$54,000, with the low end representing teachers with no previous full-time classroom experience and the higher end representing those with nine or more years of experience.

To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter.  If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us.  For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale’s website.

Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:  

Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.

Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, affinity group facilitation, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).

Sabbatical:  Full time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.  

Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance.  In addition, the school offers a flexible spending account through which employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses.  

Retirement:  Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA.  The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.  

Vacation:  Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.