Instructional Assistant - Montessori - Part Time

Montessori Assistant

Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.

East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type:

Part-time (29 hours per week)

Base Hourly: $16.56

Class/Calendar: A11, 9.25 months

Benefits:
None

Performance Pay:
Available annually

New Hire

Experience:

1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum

New Hire

Education:

1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Job Summary:

To assist (under direct supervision) in the supervision and instruction of students; to provide assistance to the teacher in overall classroom activities specifically at the Montessori School utilizing the Montessori teaching principles; and to relieve teacher of routine clerical tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer tests, homework assignments, make-up work, etc to support teacher in the instructional process
• Assist students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to present and/or to reinforce learning concepts
• Guide students in independent study (i.e. enrichment or remedial work, etc) and to provide feedback that will ensure students' success
• Confer with teachers and parents, if requested by teacher, to assist in the evaluation of students' progress in relations to established educational objectives
• Develop classroom materials (i.e. instructional activities, bulletin boards, reference materials etc) to provide assistance to teacher in support of lesson plans
• Maintain instructional equipment to ensure the availability of items when required
• Monitor individual students, classroom environment, playground activities, etc to reinforce positive student behavior, to assist teacher in supervision of students and to ensure a safe and positive learning
• Perform record keeping and general clerical functions (i. e. student records, schedules, lesson plans, progress reports, etc) to support the teacher and/or administrator in providing records and/or materials
• Attend staff development meetings to maintain an understanding of the philosophy of the Montessori teaching principles and classroom operation
• Regular and on-time attendance requires
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

• High School education or equivalent
• Associate's Degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the Para Pro Test provided by the district free of charge

Skills &

Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability to work well with students, staff and parents; good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to operate general office machines
• Ability to organize and prioritize

Work Environment &

Physical Requirements:

• Classroom setting designed to foster independence and hands-on learning
• Often includes child-sized furniture, open shelves with learning materials, and quiet spaces for concentration
• Works closely with children (usually preschool or elementary-aged)
• Assists the lead Montessori teacher in facilitating lessons, observing students, and maintaining classroom order
• Must be comfortable moving around frequently, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and sitting on the floor
• Should be able to lift up to 25–30 lbs occasionally

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.