Grand Valley State University·Allendale Charter Township, Michigan
The Associate Teacher supports the lead teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans and maintaining a safe classroom environment. They are responsible for conducting child observations, collecting data, and maintaining professional relationships with families.
The Associate Teacher provides safety, childcare, educational planning and implementation, and leadership within the classroom to support each child.
Job Type: Temporary (Hourly) Compensation: $17.00 per hour Essential Functions: Act as the secondary care provider and instructor for assigned classroom or group.
Implement and maintain safety policies and procedures within and outside the classroom.
Assist lead teacher in the utilization of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold assessment, observations, and software.
Collaborate with the lead teacher in the planning and implementation of weekly lesson plans that are developmentally appropriate and align with Creative Curriculum.
Assist the lead teacher in child observations and the collection of data in line with the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and Children’s Enrichment Center (CEC) requirements.
Maintain appropriate and professional relationships with families while demonstrating to families that their child/children’s needs are being best met.
Attend and help facilitate parent teacher conferences 2 times per school year.
Accompany lead teacher on fall home visits required by GSRP.
Participate in required professional development opportunities to meet or exceed annual training requirements for state licensing, Great Start to Quality, and Great Start Readiness Program.
Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.
Required Qualifications: An associate degree (AA) in early childhood education or child development or the equivalent; or A valid Center-Based Birth to Five CDA credential; or A valid Center-Based Preschool CDA credential.
Minimum one (1) year of experience in a related field.
A bachelor degree in early childhood education or child development or the equivalent Infant/Child/Adult CPR certified Prior experience with Great Start to Quality (GSQ), Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), and/or Teaching Strategies GOLD Working Conditions: Preschool Classroom
Attach your cover letter and resume. Applications missing required documents will not be considered. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Erin Korte, korteeri@gvsu.edu. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future. Application Deadline: Application review begins August 14. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State). Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.
Candidates must hold an associate degree in early childhood education or a valid CDA credential. A minimum of one year of experience in a related field is required.
Market context
In Michigan, classroom teacher openings often reflect steady demand for educators who can cover multiple sites and schedules, especially when programs run in schools, parks, and other community settings. These roles can be competitive because employers look for candidates who can travel, work morning, early afternoon, and weekend shifts, and adapt quickly to different classrooms. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your availability and travel radius before applying.
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