Part Time Assistant Teacher

Part Time Teacher Assistant Job Description

Position Overview
An Ambleside Assistant Teacher is first and foremost a lover of Jesus Christ, children and knowledge. Within this relational context, the Assistant Teacher maintains a positive (high-joy), inspirational, and peacefully authoritative atmosphere in and out of the classroom. Every day the Assistant Teacher helps the teacher instruct, expect, uphold, shepherd and specifically train students in “the habits of the good life” (students’ ways of relating to work and persons). The Assistant Teacher assists the Teacher in offering highly skilled instruction in both inspirational and disciplinary subjects, using the Ambleside “method of a lesson.” 

In addition, the Assistant Teacher assists the Teacher in bringing up
students individually or in small groups, preparing materials for the classroom, training students in habits of learning, and capturing observations for the Teacher’s reflection. In a broad sense, the Assistant Teacher represents the school in and out of the classroom and acts on behalf of the school by professionally and warmly interacting with all students, parents, teachers, staff and visitors. The Assistant Teacher reports to the Teacher and/or other designated senior-level leadership staff.

Personal Qualities
Spiritually mature in Christ, service and other-oriented, teachable, loving towards all persons (especially children), joyful, peaceful in/under authority, psychologically strong, growth-oriented, patient, hungry to know and share knowledge, intelligent, thorough, punctual, flexible, collegial, articulate, enthusiastic, proficient in disciplinary subjects at level appropriate to position.
 

Responsibilities
Duties include but are not limited to:
● Enhances the educational environment for the students by providing individualized instruction, support in habit formation, and assistance with routine classroom practices.
● Supports the assigned class and other classes as available through some of the detailed duties described below.
● Assists with the tracking and reporting of student progress in all academic work and relationships, assisting in areas of weakness as needed.
● Maintains an optimal classroom atmosphere (physical and relational) according to Ambleside standards and leading children in the proper care of curriculum materials, classroom furniture, and school property.
● Adheres to Ambleside philosophy and practice and faithfully follows the Teacher’s direction for ASI curriculum, resources and standards for student work.
● Maintains positive relationships and communication with each student and their parents, protecting the privacy and confidentiality of each.
● Ensures the health, welfare and safety of children, reporting suspected misconduct as required by law.
● Demonstrates a spirit of cooperation, teamwork, and partnership with leadership, colleagues, and staff.
 

Specific Duties might include:
● Assists the Teacher with classroom instruction such as Handwriting, Nature Study, drawing, scribing, counting and math facts, arithmetic lessons, reading assessments and reading with students, phonics review, memory work, handwork, recitations, individualized support for behavior or academic weakness.
● Works with the Teacher to help train the students in such habits as coming and going, classroom routines, respect for property and persons, attention, etc.
● Records areas of skill proficiency when asked by the Teacher and reports any evaluation or observation to the Teacher.
● Assists in tasks such as taking daily attendance, distributing/collecting forms, checking students backpacks.
● Adheres to the school policy for instruction as defined in the Parent Handbook, the Teachers’ Handbook, and the Job Description for a Teacher.
● Assists the Teacher in creating a classroom environment conducive to the educational needs of students- organized, neat and free of clutter.
● Establishes positive relationships with each student.
● Establishes a positive relationship with the Teacher, modeling a spirit of unity and cooperation.
● Assists with routine care—zipping coats, opening lunches, washing hands, etc. --as needed
● Serves as Kindergarten substitute teacher on occasion.
● Lends adult presence and support to students weak in academics or behavior.
● Supports the School Administration as needed in other administrative needs as the classroom situation allows.
 

Minimum Requirements
● Bachelor’s degree
● Introductory knowledge of Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy from the essays “Three Instruments of Education” (1) and “Children as ‘Persons’” (2) and Ambleside Schools International videos at www.amblesideschools.org

● Strong written and verbal communication skills
● Solid business acumen, management, and problem-solving skills
● Basic computer literacy, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Apps
● Strong interpersonal, time management and organizational skills
● Attendance at Teacher In-Services, Teacher meetings, and Parent/Teacher Fellowships.
● CPR and first aid certification (provided by school).
● Free and clear results on federal and state background check
 

Hours
● Three-Day Assistant Teacher: Mondays (7:45 am – 3:45 pm), Wednesdays (7:45 am – 5pm), Fridays (7:45 am – 3:45 pm).
● School instructional days (except school holidays), Teacher Workdays, and required school events per the current year Instructional Calendar.

(2) This article by Charlotte Mason originally appeared in Parents’ Review, 1911.
Both essays are published in Essex Cholmondley’s, The Story of Charlotte Mason, 1960 (now out of print but available online).
(1) Chapter VI, An Essay Towards a Philosophy of Education by Charlotte Mason