We are seeking a Spanish speaking teacher assistant to assist in one of 2 Toddler classrooms.
The Montessori Assistant's primary duties are maintaining the classroom environment and assisting the Lead Teacher or Directress. We prefer that candidates have experience working with children and be committed to working in a very busy school environment. The Assistant is expected to understand and support the mission of the school and be open, willing and excited to learn about Montessori education. Professional behavior is always expected.
The general duties include, but are not limited to:
Preparation of the Environment
- The classroom environment should be prepared during the opening weeks of school and maintained throughout the year according to the Montessori training of the Directress.
- Materials should be complete, in good repair, and maintained in accordance with Montessori's principles of beauty, order, and simplicity. This may include washing classroom dishes, repairs of materials, and daily cleaning tasks.
- The environment outside the class—the extended day room, nap room, lunchroom, and playground—will be prepared and maintained according to Montessori principles of beauty, order, and simplicity.
- The assistant will arrive promptly at the specified time to prepare the environment for the day. At the beginning and end of the day, specific listed duties should be completed.
Assistance to Lead Directress/Teacher
- Under the direction of the Directress, help establish a classroom culture of calm, productive work. Supervise the classroom when necessary and work with individual children or small groups of children as directed by the guide.
- Work with the guide to establish routines and rituals around transition times and non-classroom times such as lunch, recess, and nap.
- Provide behavioral guidance to children in a manner that is firm and respectful.
- For Toddler and Primary Assistants, assist children in meeting their physical needs, including escorting children to the bathroom, helping find clean clothes and assist with changing clothes and bathroom use as needed.
- Observe the activities of the students and take the time to communicate observations to the Directress.
- Be a model to students of integrity, curiosity, responsibility, creativity, and respect for all persons as well as demonstrate respect and appreciation for racial, cultural, and gender diversity.
Professional Growth:
- Seek feedback to improve performance in supporting the environment and the in working with the children
- Reflect on and pursue professional growth development; work with Montessori Director and Lead Teacher to evaluate and improve skills.
- Participate in structured and informal professional development opportunities.
Communication and Professionalism:
- Communicate effectively and demonstrate professional behavior toward students, families, and co-workers.
- Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a joyful school environment.
- Perform other duties as assigned or needed.
- Maintain professional appearance, timeliness, and reliability.
- Respond to stress and conflict with professionalism.
Qualifications
Education and/or Experience
- High-school diploma required; two years college course work in education preferred.
- Experience working with diverse students and families.
Language/Communication Skills
- Must have good verbal and written communication skills in English.
Bilingual in Spanish is preferred
Mathematical Skills
- Must be proficient and able to assist students with counting and simple operations.
Computer Skills
- Must be capable of using email and other web-based applications.
Reasoning Skills
- Must be able to analyze student behavior and apply appropriate intervention.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to regularly sit, reach with hands and arm, stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate.
Evaluation
The Montessori Assistant will be evaluated semi-annually in the fall and spring every year by the Montessori Director. Evaluation will be based on:
- Performance in each of the key areas listed above.
- The employee’s progress towards setting professional goals, working to meet the goals, and reflecting on progress.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
VIMSIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
AUTHORIZATION TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATE S
In compliance with Federal law and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 22.1800, the selected candidate will be required to provide documentation that will verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United
States.
BACKGROUND SCREENING
Offers of employment will be contingent upon the chosen candidate’s authorization to conduct a background screen in accordance with VIMSIA policy.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Grade levels:
- Elementary school
- Pre-Kindergarten
Schedule:
School type:
Education:
Ability to Relocate:
- St Thomas, VI 00802: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person