Beginning and Lower School Teaching Assistant

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY The BLS Teaching Assistant supports teachers and children in the classroom, outdoors, and in specialist classes and helps to create an inclusive learning environment for students. The Teaching Assistant provides supervision of children during times when teachers and other staff are meeting. The Teaching Assistant also works in After School Programs before and after school and on days when regular classes are not in session, with scheduling and direction provided by the ASP Director. PAY RANGE Based on experience $24/hour - $27/hour COMPETENCIES Knowledge of developmentally appropriate activities for children and child development Ability to create positive, professional relationships with parents, caregivers, and colleagues and communicate effectively Strong conflict management skills Cultural competency, ability to interact with a diverse array of people and foster inclusivity within the classroom, with colleagues and parents Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively as a team member Ability to problem-solve, compromise, collaborate, be flexible, and take direction when necessary Strong organizational skills and time management Proficient with Word, Outlook, and Google Drive ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Supervise students in the classroom, lunchroom, outdoors, at recess, etc. Support the teaching team through material preparation, technology support, attention to classroom details, management of student work, and maintenance of the classroom environments Supervise and lead some activities in small groups, whole groups, and with individual children across all subject areas Demonstrate willingness to learn about and apply conflict resolution, differentiation, classroom/group management strategies, and child development Support school efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Provide an inclusive, caring, and responsive environment with respect to children’s individual identities Provide care before and after school, on days when regular classes are not in session, and during Community Connections. Pursue professional learning opportunities, including 15 hours of professional development every year Attend orientations, staff meetings, and training sessions if assigned Maintain current certifications for Oregon Child Care Division Central Background Registry, Food Handler, CPR/First Aid certifications, and professional development hours in Oregon Registry Online (ORO) OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Other duties as assigned EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE AA in education or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of training and experience may be substituted in lieu of degree At least six months of experience implementing activities for young children in childcare and/or educational settings Enrollment in Oregon Office of Child Care’s Central Background Registry Food Handlers certificate and current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to attain within 30 days of hiring date Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS The Teaching Assistant has daily contact with children, parents, teachers, the Assistant Heads of Beginning and Lower School, the Director of After-School Programs, and After-School Program staff. The Teaching Assistant also has contact with the Head of Beginning and Lower School. Some interactions include confidential information. SCHEDULE The Teaching Assistant works on days when there are classes or childcare at Catlin Gabel. Assistants also work the week before the school year begins and the week after it ends. Teaching assistants spend most of their time interacting with children and staff and maintaining the classroom environment. Assistants spend time outside with children each day in varying weather conditions. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Mobility sufficient to move about the campus and assure the safety of young children Ability to communicate with children, colleagues, and families The ability to occasionally lift 30-50 pounds and to accomplish frequent bending, squatting, stooping and kneeling Catlin Gabel School seeks to employ the best qualified individuals from available applicants and to provide them with opportunity for advancement in a manner that does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal equal employment opportunity laws or regulations. The School believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to the school’s success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his or her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.