Full-time Bilingual Preschool Teacher's Aide (Instructional) - Pope Francis Global Academy - Chicago - Vic. IV

This role actively partners with the lead teacher to implement a language-intensive curriculum, supports dual-language learners in both English and Spanish, maintains daily routines, and fosters a well-managed classroom through nurturing, positive, and respectful interactions. The assistant promotes Catholic values and supports the spiritual, emotional, and academic development of each child, fostering a sense of belonging, curiosity, and foundational skills for lifelong learning.

About the Role

The Bilingual Instructional Preschool Teacher Assistant works under the direct supervision of the lead teacher to provide instructional and cultural support in a Christ-like culture of joy and student-centered learning environment. This role assists in implementing early childhood initiatives related to growth and development across all domains: physical, emotional, social, and cognitive, including language acquisition.

Responsibilities

Instructional Support and Expertise

• Communicate regularly with the lead teacher to clarify student learning goals, behavior management needs, and other tasks.
• Collaborate with the lead teacher to deliver standards-based instruction aligned with early childhood developmental milestones.
• Lead small-group and one-on-one learning activities that support literacy, numeracy, and other content areas.
• Support skills and best practices, as modeled or directed by the lead teacher, related to language development and social-emotional learning.
• Reinforce lesson objectives through scaffolded instruction in both English and Spanish.
• Utilize assessment tools to inform and adapt support for individual learners.
• Integrate hands-on, inquiry-based learning practices that reflect best practices in early education.
• Assist the teacher with digital lesson planning, creating visual aids, and preparing technology-enhanced learning materials.

Student Supervision & Safety

• Share responsibility with the lead teacher to ensure the safety and well-being of all preschoolers at all times, including safety and emergency drills.
• Maintain safety-consciousness, upholding all early childhood rules for safety, sanitation, and supervision.
• Promote a respectful and nurturing environment through proactive guidance and positive behavior strategies both indoors and outdoors.
• Proactively supervise students during classroom activities, daily routines, recess, snack/lunch, rest time, and all spaces where students occupy.
• Manage smooth and safe transitions during arrival and dismissal.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Promote and model respectful, inclusive, and positive behaviors among students, fostering independence, responsibility, and community care.
• Support best practices and classroom management strategies by helping children self-regulate and follow routines in a positive manner.
• Apply developmentally appropriate redirecting techniques with prompts and visual supports.
• Maintain a clean and organized classroom environment by preparing, organizing, and sanitizing materials and learning centers daily.
• Rotate learning materials to align with classroom themes established by the lead teacher.
• Support the setup and cleanup of activities, including decorating or changing classroom/hallway displays.

Cultural and Language Support

• Actively support the language-intensive program by modeling inclusive language and best practices that celebrate diversity and promote belonging for all learners.
• Incorporate children’s home language and cultural backgrounds into daily classroom experiences.
• Co-deliver engaging lessons in a culturally responsive environment that motivates every student to feel seen and valued.
• Communicate effectively with students and families in both English and Spanish.
• Support dual-language learners in vocabulary development, comprehension, and oral language expression.
• Serve as a liaison for Spanish-speaking families, including translating school communications and participating in family events.

Family and Community Engagement

• Promote relationship-building and a welcoming environment by warmly greeting families during pick-up and drop-off.
• Support communication (translations, logistics, welcoming) with families during events like parent-teacher conferences or classroom celebrations.
• Serve as a positive representative of the school community.

Professionalism and Collaboration

• Demonstrate a team-oriented attitude by communicating regularly and effectively with the lead teacher and other team members.
• Attend team and school meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Receive and apply feedback and actively contribute to a positive team culture.
• Actively promote a positive and supportive culture where negativity and divisive behaviors are strongly rejected and differences are addressed professionally.
• Maintain and respect all forms of communication and confidentiality.
• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrate dependability, reliability, and self-direction, exercising good judgment and decision-making, and following through on commitments, tasks, and assignments.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree and/or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish and English (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Demonstrated instructional experience in a preschool or early childhood setting.
• Proficiency with classroom technology and digital learning tools.
• Strong commitment to Catholic education, child development, and inclusive practices.

Preferred Skills

• Working knowledge of early childhood curricula and child-centered pedagogy.
• Experience using educational apps and digital documentation tools.
• Culturally responsive and mission-driven.

Physical and Other Requirements

• Must be able to move about the classroom and school campus to manage student supervision and classroom activities.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally (e.g., event supplies, materials).
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed for school events, open houses, and advancement functions with two weeks' notice.
• Communicate clearly in person and via phone or video calls.
• Use of appropriate and professional attire.
• Completion of a Professional Growth Monitoring and Evaluation Protocol.

Benefits

The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs.