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Associate Teacher Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Head Start seeks a Teacher Associate to work in our Head Start program. 36/per week position, runs with school district calendar. AA degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA or related certification ...

If you feel like this would fit you, apply now for our Teacher Associate position. 20hr/per week position, runs with school district calendar. AA degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA or related ...

If you feel like this would fit you, apply now for our Teacher Associate position. 20hr/per week position, runs with school district calendar. AA degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA or related ...

Head Start seeks a Teacher Associate to work in our Head Start program. 36/per week position, runs with school district calendar. AA degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA or related certification ...

Preschool Bus Associate- Part Time

Gilbert, IA

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Preschool Bus Associate FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Status: Hourly. Anticipated Hours: Tues, Thurs Fri 11:00-12:15 and Weds 10:30-12:15. Additional hours may be available as a substitute associate.

Childcare Associate

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $15/hr

Easterseals Iowa is looking for high-energy Childcare Associates and Lead Teachers to join our incredible Child Development Center! This isn't just a job--it's a chance to be part of a mission-driven ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Teacher information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do associate teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Teacher jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Teacher job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Teacher job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,213 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist teaching staff in providing a safe, clean, healthy environment for children in the classroom.

  • Participate in lunch activities, prepare and serve food, and clean up after meals.

  • Support instruction by following lesson plans, adapting them to meet individual learning styles, and promoting classroom performance.


Job description

No night, no weekends!

Head Start seeks a Teacher Associate to work in our Head Start program. 36/per week position, runs with school district calendar. AA degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA or related certification with the ability to obtain CDA. One year experience teaching children ages birth to 5. Must have excellent communication skills with parents, children and staff. Must have a passion for education and the ability to instill curiosity and love of learning while fostering friendships and fun. Excellent benefit package including IPERS, vacation, personal leave, sick leave, health, dental and vision insurance. EOE AD#2619

EXPECTATION FOR ALL EMPLOYEES:

Supports the organization's mission, vision, and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, respect, personalization, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Perform the duties as required to assist teaching staff in providing a safe, clean, healthy environment for the children in the classroom.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Participate in lunch time activities by assisting with preparing and serving food, eating with the children, and cleaning up after meals.
  2. Encourage the children to develop a positive self-concept through supportive and cheerful interaction by assisting to create a developmentally appropriate environment where children are comfortable enough to verbalize feelings, question, explore, experiment and problem solve.
  3. Assist with instruction by following lesson plan while adapting plans to meet individual learning styles. Promote successful classroom performance for each student.
  4. Prepare and maintain all necessary paperwork and records according to CACFP guidelines.
  5. Maintain an organized, clean classroom and present interesting ideas and activities to share with children.
  6. Develop and maintain good communication while respecting confidentiality. Establish rapport and trust with parents, staff, volunteers, and visitors in order to respond to children's environmental needs.
  7. Provide support in all areas of the classroom, including but not limited to, maintaining a clean, safe, positive environment, maintaining accurate confidential records within applicable regulations and performance standards, assisting in conducting developmental screenings and taking quality child observations.
  8. Assist teachers in supervising students in non-classroom such as playground supervision and bus arrival, dismissal.
  9. Provide assistance to children during daily napping (if applicable) and bathroom routine by offering direction and support when needed.
  10. In the absence of Lead Teacher, step in and perform all responsibilities of substitute teacher using prepared lesson plans.
  11. Perform other duties or complete other projects as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, and ABILITIES:

  1. Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
  2. Ability to obtain and maintain a driver's license, automobile, and current valid insurance in order to travel to designation locations.
  3. Knowledge of Agency's policies, practices and procedures.
  4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, and various other business and community contacts.
  5. Ability to work with confidential information.
  6. Ability to work in a team-based environment.
  7. Ability to adapt to the organization's changing needs.
  8. Ability to pass a physical examination.

NOTE: A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential functions. All duties and responsibilities listed above are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform each duty or function proficiently.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education requirements for this position include Associate degree in related field or Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or working toward CDA credential. Prior experience working with preschool age children preferred. Computer experience a must.