Elementary School Teacher's Assistant

The teaching assistant will work under the supervision of the divisional principal and the business office HR Department Lead. The Teaching Assistant role is a vital part of the KIS community and one that models and supports the school’s mission, vision, core values, learning principles, safeguarding, and applied learning initiatives of the KIS community.

The TA is responsible for working with the ES Team and K-5 homeroom teachers. The TA will actively support the elementary team with co-planning lessons and making content accessible to English Language Learners (ELLs). They will co-teach lessons in the classroom and homeroom, supporting ELLs in different content areas.

Qualifications

Education: college degree

Preference will be given to those who have overseas experience and a background in education or working with children

Certification: TOEIC scores: 900 or higher, or equivalent

Background check required

Experience working with elementary-aged language learners

Knowledgeable about the stages of language acquisition

Experience administering assessments

Preference will be given to those with co-teaching experience

Personal Attributes

Illustrates organizational and time-management skills

Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, and a positive attitude

Establishes cooperative and collaborative working relationships

Maintains a solution-based approach to problem-solving

Openly accepts and considers different perspectives

Contributes to a positive school climate

Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication

Lifelong learning

Flexibility

Confidence, self-assured

Takes Initiative

Key Responsibilities

Teaching Assistants are assigned to a division, based on the needs of the school. Identified staff supervise and direct their work. The divisional Principal provides direct support and performance evaluation criteria on an annual or bi-annual review basis.

Teaching Assistants primarily work with teachers and students to ensure student safety, well-being, and academic success in and outside of the classroom.

Teaching Assistants will discuss the goals and activities of each class or lesson and support teachers for the preparation required by teachers.

Teaching Assistants may be asked to objectively assist in the preparation and handling of lesson materials, in addition to various strictly clerical documents.

A Teaching Assistant’s work in the classroom involves close collaboration with teachers, and they may be called upon to supervise various student activities planned by a teacher, such as practicing skills, reviewing concepts taught, and small group work.

In specific situations, a Teaching Assistant might be asked to assist a classroom teacher with a level of translation and support to English Language Learners.

An exemplary level of courtesy is to be maintained at all times between staff members, enhanced by respect for one another's ideas, suggestions, and questions.

Teaching Assistants focus on the positive behavior of students and praise expected behavior. Responses to misbehavior should be equitable, respect students’ dignity/cultural differences and be sensitive to each student’s needs. Teaching Assistants will use strategies to connect with the student and promote restorative practices when responding to misbehavior.

Teaching Assistants respect the confidentiality of information about the school and students.

While Teaching Assistants will not be responsible for direct student instruction or evaluation, they may have other supervisory responsibilities such as transition of students, active supervision of recess/autonomous block times, morning arrival and afternoon departure, lunch duty movement, library supervision, event attendance, emergency evacuations, chaperoning school day off-campus trips, and other extracurricular activities.

Teaching Assistants have the critical task of supporting student safety during supervision/duty times and punctuality is expected. They remain in the designated area and provide active supervision (actively watching and listening to students, intervening when necessary due to social, emotional, or physical concerns) without distraction.

Teaching Assistants may be assigned childcare duties by divisional administration throughout the school year, particularly during school professional development days and/or summer school.

Safeguarding

Teaching Assistants will undergo annual safeguarding training, sign a code of conduct for working with students, and are responsible for reporting any concerns about an individual’s well-being or safety to a designated safeguarding team member.

Teaching Assistants may be required to help a child with their personal or intimate care needs and will follow the guidelines of KIS policies relating to child safeguarding. Additional training may be required for those who work regularly with children below grade 1.

Teaching Assistants support the implementation of a safe, gender-free, multicultural curriculum for children in the grade assigned.

Professional Development

Teaching Assistants are encouraged to seek out opportunities for the enhancement of their professional roles and responsibilities and will participate in regular professional development.

Contract Terms

Usually begins August 1 each year, but anytime when there is an opening.

The initial contract will be for one (1) year.