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Job Description
Description Position Overview We are seeking a highly proactive, flexible, and energetic Teaching Assistant who views themselves as a true partner in the classroom. The ideal candidate is an active participant in daily instruction, comfortable leading small groups, and highly adaptable. We need a professional who can maintain an encouraging, age-appropriate tone with students and is ready to confidently and enthusiastically step into a lead teaching role at a moment's notice, whether for a single lesson or full-day coverage, across various grade levels. High school diploma or equivalent paired with professional experience in a structured childcare or educational setting, OR a background in higher education (Associate's degree or completed college coursework) in a related field. Prior experience working with elementary-aged children in an instructional setting. Ability to work under the supervision of other school employees to follow lesson plans, record data, and verbally describe scholars' progress and difficulties. Work effectively with individual children and small groups. Strong classroom management skills and the ability to command a room with positive, professional presence and handle behavioral challenges calmly.. Ability to take initiative in recognizing an immediate need and meeting it without specific instructions. Ability to operate standard office equipment and audiovisual equipment. Proficiency with standard educational technology, including interactive whiteboards, student devices (iPads/Chromebooks), and learning management systems (e.g., Google Suite, Seesaw) Exceptional adaptability, time management skills, and resilience in a fast paced environment. Excellent human relations and communications skills both with young students and adult colleagues; Good human relations and communications skills; patience and flexibility. LCPS Substitute Training is required. Under the supervision of 1st grade teacher and/or Dean of Curriculum, formal evaluation by principal:
Lead Small-Group Skills Lessons:
Independently deliver targeted skills lessons and interventions to individual and small groups of students, using teacher-provided plans to monitor progress and adjust pacing.
Active Co-Instruction:
Serve as an engaged, active participant during whole-group instruction. This includes circulating the classroom, managing student behaviors, prompting engagement, and modeling active listening
Student Assessment:
Assist the lead teacher in monitoring student progress and gathering data during small group rotations.
Full-Day Classroom Management:
Assume full responsibility for the classroom as a part or full-day substitute teacher when the lead teacher is absent, ensuring lesson plans are followed and classroom culture is maintained.
Immediate Adaptability:
Demonstrate the confidence and flexibility to step into the lead teacher role at a moment's notice to ensure seamless continuation of instruction during unexpected interruptions.
Implement Behavior Plans:
Consistently and accurately implement established behavior modification plans for individual students or the whole class.
Observe and Document:
Actively observe, track, and document student behaviors, academic progress, and any notable incidents to share with the lead teacher and specialists.
Student Supervision:
Supervise students in and around the school campus to ensure safety during transition periods, recess, lunch periods, and morning arrival/afternoon dismissal.
Personal Hygiene & Physical Care:
Provide compassionate and appropriate assistance to students with personal hygiene and physical care needs as required.
School-Wide Flexibility:
Maintain a collaborative, community-minded approach with the willingness and readiness to teach and support other classrooms and grade levels beyond the primary first-grade assignment as needed.
Material Preparation & Organization:
Prepare classroom and specialist materials, organize learning spaces, and perform essential clerical duties (copying, filing, grading support) to keep the classroom organized and running smoothly.
Digital Literacy & Classroom Tech:
Proficiency with standard educational technology, including interactive whiteboards (e.g., Promethean Boards), student devices (iPads/Chromebooks), and basic troubleshooting skills to ensure lessons run without interruption.
Physical & Tech Setup:
Assist teachers and the principal with the physical arrangement of furniture, technology setup/operation (interactive boards, student devices), and the overall preparation and cleanup of classrooms and other school spaces.
Relational Excellence:
Foster safe, respectful, and supportive interactions with all students, actively serving as a positive role model for behavioral and academic expectations.
Effective Communication:
Communicate effectively, collaborative, and appropriately with students, classroom/specialist teachers, parents, and other faculty/staff members.
Positive, Age-Appropriate Tone:
Consistently maintain an instructional tone that is patient, encouraging, firm yet kind, and appropriate for primary school students.
Other Duties:
Perform other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher or school administration to support the school community.
WORK SCHEDULE
The work schedule for the Teacher's Assistant is aligned with the HCA Student Calendar and includes all required workdays as required by the Dean of Curriculum, 7.5 work hours and ½ hour unpaid lunch per day.
