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Associate Teacher Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Associate Teacher

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.05 - $18.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons , where you can make a meaningful impact on children ... CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred Be part of a ...

Associate Teacher

Hixson, TN · On-site

$12 - $17/hr

  • PTO

We are seeking experienced and enthusiastic Teachers to plan and implement an ongoing program of activities that promote the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of each child, in ...

Associate Teacher

Nashville, TN

$15.05 - $18.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons , where you can make a meaningful impact on children ... CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred Be part of a ...

Associate Child Care Teacher

Nashville, TN

$17.20 - $21.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons , where you can make a meaningful impact on children ... CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred Be part of a ...

Associate Child Care Teacher

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17.20 - $21.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons , where you can make a meaningful impact on children ... CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred Be part of a ...

Associate Child Care Teacher

Nashville, TN

$17.20 - $21.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons , where you can make a meaningful impact on children ... CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred Be part of a ...

Associate Child Care Teacher

Nashville, TN

$15.05 - $18.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons , where you can make a meaningful impact on children ... CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred Be part of a ...

Associate Child Care Teacher

Goodlettsville, TN

$15.05 - $18.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons , where you can make a meaningful impact on children ... CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred Be part of a ...

Associate Child Care Teacher

Nashville, TN

$17.20 - $21.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons , where you can make a meaningful impact on children ... CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred Be part of a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Associate Teacher information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do associate teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate teacher in Tennessee is $18.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $21.83 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 Tennessee?

The most popular types of Teacher jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Teacher jobs in Tennessee?

For Associate Teacher jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Associate Teacher jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Associate Teacher job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Teacher job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,892 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description


Associate Teacher


JOB TITLE:
Associate Teacher (AT)

REPORTS TO:
(Applicable) Grade Band Director

STATUS:
Full-time salaried, exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Associate Teacher helps to prepare scholars for the college of their choice and community leadership. The Associate Teacher accomplishes this by helping the classroom teacher deliver instruction and manage the classroom in ways that maximize scholars' academic engagement and outcomes. As such, the Associate Teacher is primarily a scholar-facing role. The Associate Teacher reports directly to the director of a grade band.

ESSENTIAL JOB GOALS:

  • Support the classroom teacher in delivering high-quality instruction that promotes student growth and achievement while documenting student progress and instructional needs.
  • Assist in establishing and maintaining a positive, safe, and engaging classroom environment that reinforces schoolwide expectations for behavior and academic excellence.
  • Support the administration of classroom, schoolwide, and state assessments while maintaining testing integrity and following established procedures.
  • Assume responsibility for classroom supervision and instruction in the absence of the classroom teacher by implementing lesson plans, maintaining established routines, and ensuring student safety.
  • Build positive, respectful relationships with students that foster engagement, accountability, and a strong sense of belonging.
  • Consistently reinforce school expectations for student behavior and contribute to a culture of high expectations through proactive classroom management and positive behavior supports.
  • Provide small-group and individualized instructional support to reinforce learning and address students' academic needs.
  • Prepare instructional materials, organize classroom resources, and assist with maintaining an effective learning environment.
  • Participate in professional learning, coaching, staff meetings, and collaborative planning opportunities to strengthen instructional practice.
  • Supervise students during instructional and non-instructional settings, including arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, transitions, and other assigned activities.
  • Oversee scholars during early morning arrival (7:10) on a rotating schedule, roughly once every 8 week
  • Maintain the confidentiality of student records, school business, and sensitive information in accordance with school policies and applicable laws.
  • Model the school's mission, core values, and professional expectations while performing other duties as assigned by the Grade Band Director or School Administration.
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate's or other college degree preferred
  • Enrollment in teacher education program preferred.
  • Experience in education; 1-2 years' experience in urban education, especially in a high-performing urban charter school, preferred.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Must possess a passion for the work itself.
  • Must thrive in an innovative environment.
  • Must work collaboratively to form creative solutions.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with scholars and parents.
  • Willingness to address concerns head-on and advance them through the chain of command if they are not resolved.
  • Ability to engage in critical conversations with respect, vision, and humility.
  • Ability to organize workload independently and set and adapt priorities as needed.
  • Ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment.
  • Team player, with maturity, humility, strong work ethic, follow-through, sense of humor, and "roll-up-my-sleeves" attitude
    Regular reflection and receptiveness to feedback.
  • Stamina and the ability to set and achieve ambitious goals and handle the intensity required to bring your best self to an extended school day in a high-performing school environment.
  • Deep commitment to Emerald Academy's mission and its values of high expectations, excellence, respect, teamwork, and commitment.
  • Must believe all kids can learn and achieve at high academic levels.
  • Physical demands of attending scholars- sitting, standing, moving, lifting, and moving with scholars appropriate for care, safety and ongoing monitoring.
  • Communication skills including the ability to verbalize, engage auditory and visual awareness and monitoring of scholars.


Emerald Academy is an equal opportunity employer.