Assistant Teacher (K-5)

Job Description

Assistant Teacher (K-5)
Full-Time, 10-Month, Hourly Position
Royal Palm Academy - Naples, Florida
School year: 2026-2027
Starting at $23/hour

Royal Palm Academy, a joyful and thriving independent Catholic PK-8 school in North Naples, Florida, is seeking a full-time Assistant Teacher (K-5) for the 2026-2027 school year. This is a 10-month, hourly position with full-time benefits, starting at $23/hour.

Royal Palm Academy partners with families to provide an education of rich academics with Catholic formation. We teach the mind, educate the heart, and form the character of tomorrow's leaders. This position is designed for a capable, flexible, and student-centered educator who enjoys working with elementary students and collaborating closely with teachers. Unlike a traditional single-classroom aide role, the Assistant Teacher serves as an instructional partner across multiple classrooms, primarily supporting Kindergarten through Grade 3, with occasional support in Grades 4-5, as scheduled.

This role is ideal for a teacher, retired teacher, recent education graduate, or college student actively working toward a degree in education who wants to contribute meaningfully to classroom instruction and student growth in a joyful, mission-driven school environment.

Position Overview
The Assistant Teacher (K-5) position supports the delivery of instruction and curriculum in partnership with lead teachers across the Lower School. This is an instructional support role, not merely supervisory coverage. The Assistant Teacher works directly with students and teachers to reinforce learning, support classroom routines, assist with small groups, and help create a calm, productive, and caring classroom environment.

This position reports to the Student Support Coordinator, who oversees scheduling and assignment of support based on student and classroom needs.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Support
• Support lead teachers in the delivery of daily instruction and classroom activities.
• Work with individuals and small groups of students to reinforce concepts, provide guided practice, and support academic growth.
• Assist with classroom preparation, learning materials, transitions, and instructional routines.
• Help maintain an orderly, focused, and positive learning environment that supports student success.
• Provide flexible instructional support across multiple grade levels and classroom settings, as assigned.

Student Support and Classroom Partnership
• Build positive, encouraging relationships with students while maintaining clear expectations and professional boundaries.
• Support students in developing independence, confidence, attention, and appropriate classroom habits.
• Assist teachers in observing student needs and responding appropriately during instruction and transitions.
• Help supervise students in classrooms and other school settings as assigned.

Catholic Identity and Mission
• Know, support, and act consistently in accordance with the mission, philosophy, and expectations of Royal Palm Academy.
• Model kindness, professionalism, virtue, and respect in daily interactions with students, families, and colleagues.
• Support the Catholic identity of the school through example, participation, and a spirit of service.

Professional Collaboration and Responsibilities
• Work collaboratively with multiple lead teachers, the Student Support Coordinator, and school staff.
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, organization, and follow-through in a dynamic school environment.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues and supervisors.
• Contribute positively to a collegial, mission-driven faculty culture.

Required Qualifications
• High school diploma required.
• Experience working with children in an educational, childcare, or youth-serving setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with students and adults.
• Reliable, organized, flexible, and responsive.
• Able to support instruction under the direction of lead teachers and school leadership.
• Genuine enthusiasm for working with elementary-aged children.
• Strong alignment with the mission and values of Royal Palm Academy.

Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in education or related field, or active progress toward an education degree.
• Current or prior classroom teaching experience.
• Retired teacher or former elementary educator.
• Experience in a Catholic school or independent school setting.
• Familiarity with elementary instructional practices and classroom routines.
• Comfortable using basic school technology and Microsoft Office tools.

Professional Expectations
Strong candidates will demonstrate:
• A love for children and a desire to help them grow academically and personally.
• A joyful, calm, and service-oriented presence in the classroom.
• Professional maturity, discretion, and consistency.
• The ability to adapt quickly and work effectively across multiple classrooms and teacher styles.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and follow-through.
• A willingness to receive direction and contribute wherever needed.

Physical and Other Demands
• Ability to move actively throughout elementary classrooms and campus spaces.
• Ability to supervise and support students indoors and outdoors, including during transitions and recess as assigned.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and assist with classroom setup and materials.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, composure, and clear communication in an active school environment.

Position Details
• Full-time, 10-month, hourly position.
• Starting at $23/hour.
• Eligible for full-time employee benefits.
• Primary assignment in Kindergarten through Grade 3, with occasional support in Grades 4-5.
• Scheduled and supervised by the Student Support Coordinator.
• On-campus position in Naples, Florida.
• School-year position following the academic calendar.

To Apply
• Please submit your Resume or CV in Adobe PDF format to Michael Bussman, Head of School, at mbussman@royalpalmacademy.org.
• A brief email or cover letter expressing your interest in the Assistant Teacher (K-5) position is encouraged.

Royal Palm Academy is building a joyful, high-performing, and mission-driven faculty. We are seeking candidates who love children, value teamwork, and want to play an important instructional role in helping our students grow in confidence, skill, and character.

About the Employer

Royal Palm Academy is an independent, Catholic, pre-kindergarten to eighth grade school in Naples, Florida. Our mission is to partner with families to provide an education of rich academics with Catholic formation. Royal Palm Academy teaches the mind, educates the heart, and forms the character of tomorrow's leaders. This mission is pursued through the development of the whole person, integral formation, which encompasses the commitment to teach, to educate, and to form our students.