Assistant Teacher

About the role

The Elementary Assistant Guide is a vital support role within the classroom community, providing guidance and continuity for an instructional program delivered with both Montessori and an anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy. Under the supervision of the Lead Guide and reporting to the School Principal, this position requires love, patience, and respect for children. The Assistant Guide collaborates with the Lead Guide to prepare and maintain an orderly, attractive, and joyful environment while modeling courteous and respectful behavior.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Lead Classroom Guide to foster cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual growth of children.
• Manage the classroom to protect lessons given by the Lead Guide and encourage student independence.
• Model appropriate manners and behaviors for students.
• Work with individual children or small groups as directed by the Lead Guide.
• Supervise students in the hall, lunchroom, playground, and/or extended day programming.
• Maintain behavior management strategies aligned with Montessori principles, including self-discipline, independence, responsibility, grace and courtesy, respect for others, care of environment, care of self, and community building.
• Assist in preparation and production of instructional materials, and collaborate with the Lead Guide to develop classroom schedules and modify materials.
• Observe, record, and chart behavior to support student development.
• Help maintain and enhance the learning environment by preparing and cleaning the classroom, replenishing materials, and engaging with students.
• Assist in data collection and record keeping, including gathering written observations and inputting them into student lesson plan and assessment systems.
• Discuss student performance, behavior, and community-wide observations with the Lead Guide and other teaching staff.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings, school events, and conferences.
• Take an active role in developing City Garden as an institution of learning, maintaining confidentiality, and being professional and positive in all dealings with students and parents.
• Attend school functions such as Open Houses, Transition Nights, Curriculum Nights, Parent Orientations, and Family Field Day.
• Adhere to the guidelines and policies established in the employee handbook.

Requirements

• Minimum of an Associate’s degree; Bachelor’s degree highly preferred.
• At least 2 years of classroom experience, preferably in a public or urban setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under the direction of others and cooperatively with a team.
• Willingness to assume responsibilities appropriate for the position and adapt to the changing needs of children and the school environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and anti-biased/anti-racist principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exemplary organizational skills.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time-off (Fall, Winter, and Spring breaks, holidays, and additional days).
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• Pre-Tax savings for family health premium costs.
• Retirement Plan.
• Enrollment preference for K-8 children residing in MO.
• Discounted tuition for the Preschool program.

Pay

$19.00 to $21.50 per hour, dependent on education and experience.