Elementary Teacher Assistant

About the Role

Under the general supervision of the teacher/director, the teacher assistant will assist the classroom teacher in the supervision and instruction of students. The assistant helps provide a well-organized, smoothly functional class environment in which students can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resource materials.

Responsibilities

• Assists the classroom teacher in supervision and care of students.
• Helps with classroom care-giving routines and maintains a safe physical environment.
• Supervises students during emergency drills, assemblies, and outdoor play.
• Assists in classroom set up, clean up, and materials preparation.
• Arranges, maintains, cleans, and secures the classroom, including toys and equipment.
• Assists in food service and supervises children at all meals:
  • Receives food and sets up snacks/lunch.
  • Maintains a clean environment for the food service area.
• Establishes good rapport with children and assists the teacher in working with individuals and groups of students.
• Utilizes respectful individual and responsive care-giving practices with students.
• Actively engages children in meaningful learning activities and experiences during class time.
• Assists children with bathroom procedures and helps establish good habits of toileting and personal hygiene.
• Implements health, emergency procedures, and first aid; immediately reports witnessed accidents to the supervisor and prepares a written report.
• Attends meetings and in-services as required by the Director.
• Communicates appropriately with parents and staff; refers all parent questions and concerns about students to the teacher.
• Assists parent volunteers helping in the classroom.
• Treats confidential information about students, staff, and school affairs in a professional and ethical manner.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative, supportive, and effective relationships with all school and parish personnel.
• Assumes the duties of the preschool teacher in the teacher’s absence.
• Must be punctual and on time for work.
• Performs other related duties as assigned and demonstrates flexibility in carrying out duties.

Requirements

• Catholics must be willing to make a public profession of faith. Non-Catholics must be willing to sign the Diocese of Phoenix Division of Education and Evangelization Profession of Faith form.
• Assists with indoor and outdoor recreational activities.
• Effectively communicates with students, parents, and staff in English at a level sufficient for successful job performance.
• Effectively supervises and cares for students in their play and routines.
• Meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the assigned duties safely and effectively.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a high school graduate or hold a GED.
• Six months of childcare experience required.
• Must be working towards or have already received NAC, CDA, or CPC credentials, or an Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or a related field (preferred).
• Must participate in Safe Environment (Called to Protect) Training and sign the Code of Ethics Policy.
• Fingerprinting, Tuberculin tests, and any other requirements must be obtained prior to employment according to the Arizona Department of Health Services, Diocese of Phoenix, and the Arizona State Department of Education.