This position is an assistant position. This position requires patience and respect for children, and the ability to encourage the children to be independent in activities in which they are capable of completing. The ideal candidate for this position will have knowledge and experiences sufficient to assist in presenting to children activities designed to promote our mission, which is to support the development of the whole child through an authentic Montessori environment that honors the child's intrinsic motivation to learn and supports each individual's unique intellectual, physical, social and emotional development, but as a public charter school.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Teaching Assistant shall:

• Deliver lessons and materials, as selected or created by the lead teacher; present these materials using techniques that meet the needs of all students based on Montessori and State Standards and assist lead teacher in keeping written evidence of units of study.
• Be knowledgeable about human development and how to create and maintain a harmonious classroom community and develop relationships with children.
• Effectively manage the classroom and guide students when the lead teacher is called away from the classroom. Be calm and respectful, peaceful and nurturing, and consistently provide an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Assist lead teacher implementing plans to improve student performance and maintaining required records. Follow required procedures and practices set forth by the school.
• Assist the lead teacher in assessment by observation, daily work, performance assessments, a student’s academic ability, and social strengths and weaknesses. The assistant teacher recognizes each student as an individual who will develop at his/her own pace and who has different interests, abilities, and family cultures.
• Assist in executing class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
• Be able to prepare the environment to meet the needs of the classroom and school community. The assistant teacher keeps the classroom organized, neat, and clean.
• Be responsible for updating and maintaining classroom materials on a regular basis, and knowledgeable of the school’s inventory of teaching materials.
• Present and communicate in a professional manner to parents and other professionals.
• Possess knowledge of and be responsible for administrative and clerical procedures. Must be knowledgeable about 21st century technology, word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Other duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher or the School Director/Principal.

PREFERED/REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Holder of a Wyoming substitute teaching permit and/or 1 year of classroom experience. A B.A. in education and experience in a classroom environment. Montessori teaching experience is also preferred; however, we will train the right person.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB:

The teaching assistant works cohesively with the lead teacher. The job duties range from organizing materials and cleaning the workspace, to facilitating the learning process for each child. Assistants will deliver lessons with the guidance of the lead teacher. Assistants are expected to support the Montessori teaching method by guiding the child through self-directed activities, allowing the child to develop at his or her own pace. The teaching assistant will foster, along with the lead teacher, a nurturing and stimulating environment. The teaching assistant will step in for lead teacher to guide and manage the classroom when lead is occasionally called away to other responsibilities.