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Associate Teacher Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Trinity Health

$15 - $20.75/hr

POSITION PURPOSE Assists the Teacher in the care of children ranging in age from 2-12 years. Programs are designed around the developmental needs of children.. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Actively knows ...

Trinityhealth

$15 - $20.75/hr

POSITION PURPOSE Assists the Teacher in the care of children ranging in age from 2-12 years. Programs are designed around the developmental needs of children.. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Actively knows ...

Trinity Health

$15 - $20.75/hr

POSITION PURPOSE Assists the Teacher in the care of children ranging in age from 2-12 years. Programs are designed around the developmental needs of children.. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Actively knows ...

Trinityhealth

$15 - $20.75/hr

POSITION PURPOSE Assists the Teacher in the care of children ranging in age from 2-12 years. Programs are designed around the developmental needs of children.. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Actively knows ...

Boone Community School District

Preschool Associate

Boone, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.75/hr

Preschool Associate Reports To: Building Principal Work Year: 9 months Pay Period: Direct Deposit ... teacher with preparing classroom work as needed. Support student in general and special education ...

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All JobsAssociate Teacher JobsAssociate Teacher Jobs in Iowa

Associate Teacher information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do associate teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate teacher in Iowa is $18.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges associate teachers face when supporting lead teachers in the classroom?

Associate Teachers often encounter challenges such as adapting to different teaching styles, managing diverse student needs, and balancing their own instructional responsibilities with supporting the lead teacher. Navigating classroom dynamics and maintaining effective communication with both students and colleagues is essential. Overcoming these challenges helps Associate Teachers build valuable skills and prepares them for future advancement within educational settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate teacher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Teacher, you need a foundational understanding of educational practices, child development, and classroom management, typically supported by an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with learning management systems, digital teaching tools, and educational software is often required. Strong communication, patience, and teamwork skills help build positive relationships with students and colleagues. These competencies are crucial for effectively supporting lead teachers and fostering a productive learning environment for students.

What is an associate teacher?

Associate teachers are educational professionals who support lead teachers in the classroom. Their responsibilities often include assisting with lesson planning, classroom management, and working directly with students to reinforce learning objectives. Associate teachers may also supervise students, prepare instructional materials, and help maintain a positive learning environment. In many schools, this role serves as valuable experience for those planning to become lead teachers in the future.

What is the difference between Associate Teacher vs Teacher?

AspectAssociate TeacherTeacher
Required CredentialsTypically a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require an associate degreeUsually a bachelor's degree in education or related field; state certification often required
Work EnvironmentAssists in classrooms, supports lead teachers, often in early childhood or preschool settingsLeads classroom instruction, plans lessons, manages student activities
Employer & Industry UsageFound in preschools, early childhood programs, and some elementary settingsCommon in public and private schools, early childhood centers, and educational institutions

The main difference between an Associate Teacher and a Teacher lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Associate Teachers typically support classroom activities and may have less formal education, while Teachers lead instruction and usually hold a bachelor's degree and certification. Both roles are vital in educational settings, with Associate Teachers often serving as entry-level support staff and Teachers taking on more responsibility for student learning.

More about Associate Teacher jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Teacher jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Teacher jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Teacher jobs in Iowa? For Associate Teacher jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Teacher jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Teacher jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Teacher jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Teacher job openings:
Associate Teacher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Teacher job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,213 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Teacher Associate (Sp Ed - Lv III)

Southeast Polk Community School District

Mitchellville, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Teacher Associate/Teacher Associate (Sp Ed)
Date Posted:
8/6/2026
Location:
Mitchellville Elementary
Date Available:
As Soon As Possible
Closing Date:
Open until filled
SOUTHEAST POLK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Job Description
Title: Teacher Associate (Sp Ed - Lv III)
Hours: 8:30am-4:00pm; 8:30am-2:00pm W
Location: Mitchellville Elementary
Qualifications:
Required:
  1. High School Diploma or GED
  2. Demonstrated ability to successfully work with the needs of all Pre-K thru 12th Grade students.
  3. Successful completion of physical, criminal background and child abuse registry check, and pre-work screening at time of hire.
  4. Experience working in an educational setting.
  5. Ability to obtain required training, including but not limited to the following: certification to administer medication to students, American Heart or Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification, Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI)
  6. Ability to work with all students with diverse needs.

Desired:
  1. Successful work or volunteer experience with disabled population
  2. Supervisory experience with school age children
  3. 48 credit hours post-secondary education or Para educator certification from the Iowa Department of Education

Reports to: Building Principal and Director of Special Education
Job Goal:
To work under the supervision of teacher(s) or other licensed personnel who have the ultimate responsibility for the design and implementation of education and related service programs; to contribute to the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of children and youth.
Performance Responsibilities:
  1. Assists with small groups and/or individual student instruction and supervision.
  2. Assists in maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment in a variety of school settings; i.e., classroom, lunchroom, playground, field trips.
  3. Assists with classroom set up and material preparation.
  4. Assists with physical or behavioral needs of individual students.
  5. Operates standard school equipment; i.e., computer, copier, audio-visual equipment.
  6. Completes clerical tasks as assigned.
  7. Uses standard universal health precautions.
  8. Reads and comprehends at the student's grade level or above.
  9. Practices being a positive motivator and able to develop working rapport with the student.
  10. Relates to and interacts with students using positive reinforcement and effective communication.
  11. Communicates effectively with all staff.
  12. Follows Kronos rules for clocking in and out.
  13. Follows IEP and teacher's directives.
  14. Does not get visibility upset by occasional bad language, threat of physical violence or personal habits of students.
  15. Practices patience and does not become easily discouraged.
  16. Helps student(s) to become one of the class.
  17. Maintains confidentiality and student privacy by only discussing student needs with staff that have an educational need to know the information.
  18. Reports to assigned center as scheduled.
  19. Implements daily activities (crafts, board games, activities, large group games or activities).
  20. Maintains a clean, sanitary, orderly and safe environment.
  21. Ensures the health and safety of the student at the building, on the outdoor play areas and on field trips.
  22. Is knowledgeable about program policies and procedures.
  23. Records behavioral incidents (time out, problem reports, accident reports, etc).
  24. Keeps all assigned paperwork up-to-date and submits in a timely manner (such as Medicaid, student academic or behavioral data)
  25. Serves as a positive role model for the students.
  26. Participates in home visits accompanied by the teacher when asked.
  27. Assists in the preparation, serving, and clean up of breakfast, lunch and snacks as needed.
  28. Attends required staff meetings.
  29. Maintains professional growth, current Mandatory Reporting Training, First Aid, CPR certification as required by state and federal regulations.
  30. Assumes duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Teacher or Principal.
  31. Completes annual Bloodborne Pathogens training.

Physical Demands
  1. Must be capable of standing throughout the work day.
  2. Must present appropriate appearance and personal cleanliness suited to working in close proximity to school age children and adults.
  3. Must be able to work with interruptions during a work shift.
  4. Must be capable of working with students with different personalities, capabilities, and physical and mental limitations.
  5. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds to waist level.
  6. Must be capable of carrying equipment or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds for a distance of 50 feet.
  7. Must be capable of standing, walking (at variable speeds and duration to include running) and changing positions quickly throughout the workday (to include sitting on and getting up from the floor, sitting at different levels when using adult or various child height chairs (ranging from 12" seat height and above and getting up from these chairs); maintaining sustained kneeling, crouching, bending, leaning down and leaning over postures up to 40 minutes at a time.
  8. Must be willing to come into contact with body fluids such as urine and feces, blood and nasal secretions and contagious diseases such as flu and the common cold.
  9. Must be capable of using cleaning and sanitizing chemicals with appropriate PPE.
  10. Must be capable of working in broad range of temperatures, humidity and other winter and summer environments.
  11. Must be capable of working in a noisy environment.
  12. Must have physical dexterity in limbs and digits necessary to physically interact with children in a playground and classroom environment.

Note: The physical demands described above represent real life tasks an employee may need to perform as part of the essential functions of this job. While the frequency may be low, the above stated physical demands may be required during the course of a daily work shift. Tasks that have physical demands that exceed the above stated limits should only be performed with sufficient manpower or material handling equipment.
Clothing:
  1. Outdoor clothing including coats, boots, gloves, and hat dependent on environmental conditions.
  2. Appropriate footwear for an environment where sharps, chemicals or body fluids may fall onto exposed skin.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of Southeast Polk Board Policy.
Terms of Employment:
  1. Employment based on need.
  2. Hours and number of days assigned as need requires.

Disclaimer:
The statements of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.
It is the policy of the Southeast Polk Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), genetic information (for employment), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact, Joseph M. Horton, Deputy Superintendent, Equal Opportunity Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Southeast Polk District Office, 8031 NE University Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, (515)-967-4294,joseph.horton@southeastpolk.org. Inquiries or grievances may also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0201, (515) 281-4121; or the U.S. Department of Education, Region VII Office of Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago IL 60661.

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