The Common School offers a unique and vibrant working community to individuals interested in the advancement of progressive education in a collaborative, supportive work environment.
The Common School is an equal opportunity employer. The Common School does not discriminate against any qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity and/or expression, age, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, physical abilities, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law in the administration of its admissions policies, employment practices, educational programs, financial aid, or other School administered programs.
Working at The Common School
Current Openings
Join a Community Where Teaching is an Art Form
Are you looking for more than just a classroom? At our school, we’ve built something truly rare in the world of education—a place where teachers aren't just staff, but the heartbeat of a vibrant, intentional community.
Working here means joining a culture that treats education with the depth and creativity it deserves. We don't just "cover material"; we embark on journeys with our students.
A Unique Collaborative Model
We believe that the best teaching happens in partnership. That’s why we utilize a truly unique classroom structure that you won't find in most schools. Forget the "one-person-show" burnout; here, collaboration is our foundation:
Always Two Teachers: Every single classroom is led by a Head Teacher and an Associate Teacher working side-by-side.
Extra Support for Our Youngest: Our Nursery classrooms feature an additional Assistant Teacher, ensuring our smallest learners have a 3-person team of support.
Deep Connection: These small ratios aren't just about safety; they are about knowing the child. Because there are always at least two of you, you have the space to truly observe, listen, and understand what makes each student tick.
"In our classrooms, no child is a number, and no teacher is an island. We provide the support you need to do the work you love."
Ignite Your Creative Spark
If you’ve ever felt stifled by rigid, "box-checking" curricula, you’ll find your breath of fresh air here. We specialize in in-depth studies, giving our faculty the freedom to dive deep into topics that capture the students' imaginations.
You’ll have the chance to get exceptionally creative with your content, designing immersive experiences that turn a simple lesson into a season-long discovery. Whether you are a lead teacher or a specialist in Music, Physical Education, Library, or Tutoring, your unique perspective helps shape our school’s identity.
Join Our Next Cohort
We are always looking for passionate educators who want to be part of something special. Our hiring cycle follows the rhythm of the school year:
March: Head Teacher openings are typically announced for the upcoming school year.
Late Spring: Associate and Assistant Teacher positions are posted as our teams take shape.
Specialists: Keep an eye out for openings in our enrichment departments, including specialists and dedicated tutors.
Ready to find your place in our community? We can’t wait to see the creativity and heart you’ll bring to our classrooms.
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Position Overview:
The Primary 1 (Kindergarten) Lead Teacher is a creative and reflective educator who brings vision, warmth, and joy to the earliest years of school. This role offers the opportunity to design and lead a classroom where curiosity is honored, play is essential, and children are known deeply as learners and people. Working closely with an associate teacher, the Lead Teacher shapes a rich, integrated curriculum
grounded in children’s interests and developmental needs. This is a role for an experienced educator who is excited to mentor others, collaborate with colleagues, and cultivate a classroom that feels purposeful, nurturing, and creative.
Why Educators Love The Common School
Teachers at The Common School are trusted as thinkers, creators, and leaders. Our kindergarten class is a unique bridge between our Nursery and Primary years, where play, storytelling, nature, and inquiry are at the heart of each day, and where academic growth emerges through meaningful, connected experiences.
Educators here value the professional autonomy to design curriculum, the joy of working alongside a small community of deeply committed colleagues, and the opportunity to build authentic relationships with children and families. We prioritize collaboration, reflection, and ongoing learning, and we believe that when teachers feel empowered, inspired, and grounded in purpose, children thrive.
Key Responsibilities
● Design a kindergarten experience rooted in play, inquiry, and imagination, where learning feels meaningful and joyful.
● Lead curriculum and instruction that integrates literacy, math, science, and social studies through hands-on, thematic studies.
● Follow children’s curiosity, building in-depth explorations that spark wonder, creativity, and problem-solving.
● Differentiate with care, meeting a wide range of learners through small group instruction and responsive teaching.
● Build a strong classroom community grounded in belonging, identity, and social justice.
● Mentor and collaborate with an associate teacher, modeling reflective practice and shared leadership.
● Create a nurturing, well-held environment with clear, consistent routines and a positive, restorative approach to behavior.
● Partner with families through open, thoughtful communication that centers each child’s growth and experience.
● Engage fully in school life, contributing to a collaborative faculty culture and ongoing professional learning.
Please see the full position description linked here.
Qualifications Preferred:
● Master’s degree in education or a related field.
● Massachusetts Licensure
● 5+ years of lead teaching experience in early childhood or elementary education.
● Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and progressive pedagogy.
● Strong skills in collaboration, adaptability, and communication.
Salary range: $50,000 - $63,00 commensurate with experience.
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Are you an enthusiastic and dedicated educator eager to immerse yourself in a progressive, student-centered learning environment? The Common School, a vibrant Nursery through 6th-grade school in Western Massachusetts, seeks a full-time Associate Teacher to work closely with a classroom Head Teacher in fostering a dynamic, inclusive, multi-age classroom experience.
Position Overview:
The Associate Teacher will work closely with the classroom Head Teacher to implement a rich, integrated curriculum that meets students’ developmental and academic needs. This role offers the opportunity to lead small group instruction, actively contribute to curriculum planning, and create a nurturing classroom environment where students feel valued and inspired to learn.
Key Responsibilities
● Collaborate in planning and delivering a dynamic, developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and deep engagement.
● Teach small group literacy and math lessons, adapting instruction to support a range of learners.
● Foster a classroom culture emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
● Engage students in hands-on, thematic studies that connect learning to the real world.
● Supervise students during transitions, outdoor play, lunch, and other daily activities.
● Take the lead in classroom instruction when the Head Teacher is absent.
● Maintain open, thoughtful communication with students, colleagues, and caregivers.
● Communicate and maintain high standards for classroom management using active supervision and positive and restorative approaches.
● Attend and contribute to faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and school-wide events.
Qualifications Preferred:
● Master’s degree in education or a related field.
● Massachusetts Licensure
● 2+ years of teaching experience in early childhood or elementary education.
● Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and progressive pedagogy.
● Strong skills in collaboration, adaptability, and communication.
Salary range: $34,000 - $44,000, commensurate with experience.
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We are accepting applications for Substitute Teachers to work with all ages. Substitutes should be available for work either for pre-planned absences or for last minute (early morning) calls.
Email your resume to hiring@commonschool.org
How to Apply
We seek candidates who will contribute to the racial, cultural, and gender diversity of our school
community. As part of our anti-bias hiring process, applicants are asked to follow these steps:
1. Submit a letter of interest
2. Provide a resume
3. Submit a written response to the equity, inclusion, and social justice statement
4. Send a redacted copy of all three items with contact information and identifying
details removed.
Email materials to Hiring@commonschool.org
Social Justice Statement
The Common School is committed to social justice, critical thinking, and compassion for others.
We strive to ensure that our community of students, families, and staff actively contributes to a
caring and equitable environment. Please describe any personal background, training, work, or
other experience that demonstrates your ability to help us achieve this goal.
Join us in shaping a learning community where children are empowered to explore,
question, and grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens!