Teaching Assistant (K-6)

Title: Teaching Assistant (K-6) Status: Hourly position

Report To: Director of Academic Fidelity

Summary of Position:

Montessori believes in guiding the students to grow academically, emotionally and socially. The Montessori classroom is designed to engage students in an environment that is conducive to learning and academic growth. It is the assistant's job to assist the teacher in attaining this environment. The Teaching Assistant guides the student through assignments by demonstrating independence and personal accountability. Working with small groups, the assistant teacher helps the students through work cycles and gathers completed work.
In addition, the Teaching Assistant works with the teacher to ensure that the environment is Ordered,
Organized and Beautiful.

There are five Major Areas of Responsibility:

1. Academic Support

• Assist students with daily work plans, directing them to resources and guiding their progress as well as checking completed work
• Collaborate with lead teacher in developing Teaching Assistant’s understanding of Montessori theories, concepts, principles and applications
• Responsible for following lead teacher lesson plans and instruction in teaching the following lesson content (content will vary by grade level and includes but is not limited to the following):

Time for Kids o Handwriting o Math Facts o Spelling o Individual/Small group direction

2. Montessori Physical Environment

• Assist students and lead teacher in maintaining the Montessori environment which includes

Order, Organization and Beauty as well as the safety and security of the physical environment

• Assist students in removing and replacing materials in the proper locations to ensure the organization and order of materials
• Assist students in keeping hallways and cubbies orderly and clean
• Assist students and lead teacher in keeping surfaces clean and orderly
• Assist students in daily clean up after lunch, recess and activities

• Notify maintenance of conditions in the classroom that need repair or replacement of items that are broken or pose a safety problem.

3. Record Keeping and Administrative

• Daily attendance logged into PowerSchool system
• Daily lunch count
• Collecting daily communications from families and routing to office (transportation notes, attendance notes etc.)
• Assist teacher in ensuring transportation plans for each child (dismissal) are clearly communicated and implemented
• Checking in daily homework assignments (varies by level)
• Gathering materials in preparation for planned lessons
• Filling out copy requests for routine and pre planned lessons
• Proctor PSSA testing annually (varies by level)

4. Classroom Management

• While the lead teacher is conducting small group lessons, ensure that the students doing individual work are non-disruptive, engaged and on task. PROTECT THE LESSON*

• Maintain a safe, secure and productive environment at all times by monitoring student behavior and interactions

• Be thoroughly familiar with Code of Conduct procedures and utilize code of conduct process to ensure consistency of vocabulary and process throughout the school and ensure a focused, productive Montessori environment

• Knowledge of and reinforcement of Montessori Pride Values
• Arrival (am) and Dismissal (pm) duties – Maintain student order and assist students in established routines to ensure the orderly transition to and from the school day
• Supervise students at lunch or recess following established duty requirements
• Transition students from classroom routine to lunch period, recess, and specials by assuring that routines are followed including the quiet and orderly travel in hallway and in and out of the building

• Attend Specials classes to support classroom teacher
• Assist teacher in ensuring the students are safe, secure and accounted for at all times including during transitions, lunch, recess and on field trips
• Assist students in resolving interpersonal issues
• Maintain classroom order and ensure that classroom and school rules are understood and followed
• Verify that Walkie-Talkies are in working order each day and turned to the following channels as appropriate: o Channel 1 – Default all building communications (should be on this most of the time) o Channel 2 – Bus Transportation – PM only o Channel 5 – Building Maintenance – Used for urgent or emergencies only o Channel 7 – Dean of Students

• Report all in school or playground accidents or incidents that result in head injury (suspected concussion), visible bruises, or serious cuts (requiring medical attention) to Nurse’s office (or office administration) immediately and fill out Incident Report

• Mandated Reporter – adhere to MRCS Mandated Reporter Policy

5. Maintaining Montessori Regional Charter School Culture – the following qualities and conditions are essential to establishing an environment that supports our commitment to students’ academic, emotional and social growth within a Montessori framework. We are all responsible for supporting and practicing these values:

Our mission is to educate children; all decisions must go through the filter of
“ How does this decision affect all students’ academic growth and development”?

• Staff must show grace and courtesy towards one another and towards students’ at all times
• Order, organization and beauty are the goals of our physical environment
• Staff members are expected to consistently follow systems and procedures that have been established
• Staff members are expected to support the principles of the Montessori Method and the

Mission of the Montessori Regional Charter School particularly in communications with students and their families

• The goal of Montessori is to encourage independence and self-reliance. The principle of “Do not do for a child what he/she can do for themselves” should be considered when assisting and guiding children to their highest level of ability

• Students must be treated with kindness, patience, forgiveness and tolerance for differences
• The following will not be tolerated in interactions with children or adults: o Yelling o Threatening o Belittling comments o Humiliation o Favoring one student over another o Sarcasm

• Staff members are expected to model and exhibit the following behaviors to support the mission and goals of the school: o Positive Problem Solving o Team Player – collaborative and supportive of one another o Open minded o Responsible and accountable for actions and outcomes

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma required
College degree preferred, PA Elementary Education degree preferred.

Personal qualities: Demonstrated patience, kindness and calm presence with children

Team player

Able to subordinate to classroom teachers style and schedule

Flexibility

Organized

Positive and collaborative

Professional in communication style

Dedicated and Hard working

Hours

Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 3:30 pm

Paid Half hour lunch each day

In addition, Teaching Assistants will participate in a number of School Events including but not limited to: Back to School night (prior to start of school year), Enrollment Open Houses (2-3 in January or February of each year), Attend planned In- Service programs as requested

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.62 per hour

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.62 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location