Lower School Teaching Assistant

Purpose / Summary

This position willplay a vital role in supporting the social, emotional, and academic development of our students through direct and indirect services. The Teaching Assistant (TA) will work closely with both classroom and specialist teachers, assisting in the implementation of instructional activities. The TA’s primary responsibilities will include supporting classroom management and feedback to students, facilitating lesson implementation, and supervising students during lunch and recess.

Additionally, you will guide students as they engage in activities and play. Teaching assistants may also be provided the opportunity to gain experience as a teacher by acting as a substitute for your lead teacher when possible.

• Providing instructional support, especially during math and language arts instruction, at the direction of the classroom teachers
• Working with students in small and large groups as part of differentiated instruction
• Completing preparation for lessons (e.g. copying or preparing student folders) and providing support for grading and feedback at the direction of the classroom teacher
• Supervising children at play, promoting and maintaining a safe and inclusive environment
• Promoting students’ social-emotional learning and development
• Maintaining a focus on observing students closely
• Communicating and collaborating with faculty and staff, sharing insights into student learning and behaviors
• Attending monthly teaching assistant meetings during the school day
• Lead and facilitate the school experiences for children who stay for the extended day
• Provide instructional coverage for classroom teachers during professional development or meetings

Chandler School is committed to providing students with multiple opportunities to engage in physical activity and play each day. Upon hire, teaching assistants are assigned lunch and recess supervision duties. Teaching assistants also monitor student transitions between classroom spaces. When supervising students during these times, employees are expected to:

• Avoid anything that might distract them from engaging in careful observation.
• Spread out from other adults supervising recess and PE
• Model Chandler’s Pillars of Character
• Support students as needed with problem solving and conflict resolution
• Enforce all school rules and policies to promote positive discipline
• Help students maintain facilities and play equipment
• Report any behavioral concerns and/or injuries to the classroom teacher, Lower School Director, and any other relevant personnel.

• Clear and professional verbal and written communication with teachers, students, and parents
• Effective organizational skills and interpersonal skills
• Reliability in maintaining routines and following through with tasks
• Patience, energy, and physical stamina
• Ability to reinforce lessons under the direction of the lead teacher
• Active listening and observational skills to report on student behavior and learning
• Flexibility to support multiple classrooms or grades as needed
• Strong classroom management skills that foster a respectful, inclusive and engaging learning environment
• Proactive engagement during instructional and non-instructional times
• Basic familiarity with educational technology (e.g., Google Workspace, iPads, digital learning tools)
• Patience, empathy, and ability to model positive behavior
• Highly attuned to the unique needs of each learner and thrives in dynamic and ever-changing situations
• Skill in gently redirecting or supporting children through conflict or emotional regulation
• Commitment to Chandler’s mission and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, social-emotional learning (SEL), and supporting student well‑being

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree, college coursework in education, child development, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of two years of working with children in school, camp, or child care settings
• Experience working with small groups and individual students
• Experience in a private school setting (preferred, but not required)
• Experience partnering…