Friends School of Wilmington (FSW) seeks a joyful, student-centered educator to join our Lower School (K–5) team as a Second Grade Assistant Teacher starting in August, 2026. Our 2nd grade classroom combines structured academic instruction with rich opportunities for hands-on learning, creative exploration, and social-emotional growth. Our ideal candidate will work closely with the Lead Teacher to support instruction in structured literacy (including phonological awareness, phonics, small group reading and writing), guided math using the Everyday Mathematics approach, and thematically scaffolded science and social studies units. We are looking for someone who is eager to collaborate, flexible in the face of daily classroom dynamics, and deeply committed to experiential learning, place-based education, and the Quaker values that guide our school community.
This is a 20-hour per week, 10-month position with the possibility of annual renewal. Applicants may also apply for other part-time positions at the school to increase the number of hours worked.
Areas of Responsibility
- Assist in delivering engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons in reading, writing, math, and thematic units.
- Provide one-on-one and small-group support to help meet individual student needs.
- Encourage independence, curiosity, and problem-solving through student-centered interactions.
- Support student behavior and community norms using Responsive Classroom principles and positive guidance strategies.
- Help prepare instructional materials and maintain an organized, welcoming classroom environment.
- Supervise students during daily transitions, lunch, and recess, ensuring a safe and respectful environment.
- Participate in planning meetings, faculty meetings, and school-wide professional development.
- Contribute to all-school programs and community events, occasionally including evenings or weekends.
- Maintain high expectations for student learning and classroom conduct, while fostering a warm, inclusive classroom culture.
- Support outdoor learning and environmental education, including regular time in our Longleaf Center for Environmental Learning.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by school leadership.
Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education or a related discipline.
- Experience working with elementary-aged children, preferably in a classroom or school setting.
- Ability to work collaboratively and respond flexibly to student and classroom needs
- Commitment to hands-on, experiential learning and outdoor education.
- A nurturing spirit, a sense of humor, and a deep respect for the developmental needs of young children.
- A deep investment in the Friends School of Wilmington mission statement and guiding values.
Essential Duties
The essential duties described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the everyday functions of this job. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is often required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must be able to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Employees in this job must be energetic and flexible and possess the visual acuity to prepare data, work with records processes, and do extensive reading and research. Due to the amount of time spent standing and/or walking, physical requirements are consistent with those for Light work, as defined by the Social Security Administration’s Code of Federal Regulations.
Salary & Benefits
This role is a non-exempt, part-time (20 hours/week), 10-month position. Compensation is commensurate with experience.
Applicant Information
Individuals who would like to be considered for the 2nd Grade Assistant Teacher position at FSW should be prepared to submit all of the following here: https://www.fsow.org/about/employment/apply
Only applications received through this portal will be considered.
- Cover letter
- Resume/curriculum vitae
- Contact information for three (3) professional references
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background check prior to beginning work. Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate ability to legally work in the United States.
Who We Are
Friends School of Wilmington is a preschool-8th grade independent school, rooted in Quaker values, dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning and a drive to act always with courage, integrity, and love.
At FSW, our educational mission is grounded in a sustained commitment to academic excellence and moral character; a learning environment where students are equipped to lead lives guided by curiosity and kindness, wisdom and empathy. Starting in our Montessori preschool classrooms, we empower children to explore the world around them through creative, hands-on discovery. Our Lower and Middle School students develop as self-confident critical thinkers who solve problems with authenticity, adaptability, and collaboration.
Our teachers and administrators are the best of the best, the majority of whom hold postgraduate degrees. Through an innovative, robust curriculum that draws upon experiential and service-learning principles, we help each child reach their highest individual potential. This work is supported by first-class campus facilities, like our multi-acre Longleaf Center for Environmental Learning, our Lower School EdTech classrooms, and our Middle School 1:1 Chromebook program. Visit our website at www.fsow.org for more information.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Friends School of Wilmington actively strives to be a community of staff, students, and families of diverse backgrounds. FSW does not discriminate based on age, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, socio-economic background, family structure, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, or military service in the administration of its policies and program. We are an equal opportunity employer in both policy and practice.
Work Location: In person
