Lower School Teaching Assistant

About the role

The Lower School Teaching Assistant reports to the Head of Lower School and works in partnership with the Lower School Advisory Council Teaching Assistant Representative. Daily responsibilities are assigned by the cooperating teacher to ensure effective communication, efficiency, and classroom support. Teaching assistants play an essential role in creating a positive, organized, and engaging learning environment. The following responsibilities are organized into three categories to clarify expectations, strengthen collaboration between lead teachers and teaching assistants, and ensure consistent support for students.

Foundational Professional Expectations

These expectations apply across all three categories.

• Generosity, Accountability, and Wholeheartedness: Approach all responsibilities with a spirit of service, ownership, and commitment to the Lower School community.
• Kindness and Consistency: Maintain a warm, respectful tone with students while providing firm, clear, and consistent guidance when necessary.
• Active Engagement: Remain attentive, present, and responsive to student needs throughout the school day.
• Collaboration: Maintain open communication with lead teachers, respond constructively to feedback, and work together to meet the needs of students.
• Flexibility and Initiative: Anticipate classroom needs, take initiative when appropriate, and adapt responsibilities to support the classroom team.

Administrative Tasks

Classroom preparation, organization, supervision, and schoolwide responsibilities

• Take daily attendance unless otherwise directed by the lead teacher.
• Maintain graded student work files for weekly distribution to families.
• Manage weekly folders and behavior charts, as applicable.
• Assist with classroom setup and preparation at the beginning of the school year.
• Support classroom organization by keeping supplies stocked, instructional materials prepared, and shared spaces orderly.
• Complete clerical and administrative tasks as needed, including copying, laminating, scanning, faxing, and cutting instructional materials.
• Grade non-subjective assignments as directed by the lead teacher.
• Sanitize desks and other high-touch surfaces at the end of the day unless otherwise directed.
• Stack or arrange chairs at the end of the day unless otherwise directed.
• Supervise lunch five days per week (excluding PreK).
• Supervise recess as assigned.
• Assist with morning carpool (excluding PreK) and afternoon carpool (with some PreK exceptions).
• Supervise bathroom breaks and provide appropriate assistance during bathroom-related accidents.
• Safely escort students to and from enrichment classes, ensuring orderly and controlled transitions.
• Attend all required St. David's professional development days and sessions.

Expectations During Whole-Group Instruction

Active student engagement, classroom management, and instructional support

• Maintain an active, engaged presence throughout whole-group instruction, anticipating student needs and supporting the lead teacher.
• Circulate strategically throughout the classroom to monitor student engagement, reinforce expectations, and provide assistance as needed.
• Know, model, and consistently reinforce classroom behavior expectations.
• Support students in maintaining attention, following directions, and participating appropriately in lessons.
• Provide proactive redirection and behavioral support to minimize interruptions to instruction.
• Use teachable moments to guide students in their faith, reinforce positive character development, and encourage appropriate behaviors.
• Support students during enrichment classes as needed, particularly in PreK and Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year.
• Assist with classroom technology and instructional materials to ensure smooth lesson delivery.
• Be prepared to assume lead classroom responsibilities when necessary, including:
  • Using classroom technology
  • Maintaining classroom management
  • Delivering lessons as directed or planned with the lead teacher

Expectations During Small-Group Instruction

Targeted instruction, individualized support, and student learning

• Lead or support small-group instructional activities as directed by the lead teacher.
• Work one-on-one with students to reinforce skills, clarify directions, and provide targeted academic support.
• Facilitate purposeful learning activities during instructional rotations and centers.
• Reinforce concepts and skills previously introduced by the lead teacher, using provided instructional materials and strategies.
• Support students in completing assignments while encouraging independence and appropriate levels of productive struggle.
• Monitor student understanding and provide immediate feedback during small-group activities.
• Maintain clear behavioral and instructional expectations within small groups to maximize learning time.
• Communicate observations about student progress, challenges, and instructional needs to the lead teacher.
• Assist with transitions between instructional rotations to maximize time spent actively learning.
• Be prepared to deliver teacher-planned lessons or activities independently when requested.