SYMontessori Primary Teaching Assistant

SY26-27 Montessori Primary Teaching Assistant

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School – Savannah, Georgia

Job Description

The Teaching Assistant, under the supervision of the Lead Teacher, the Academic Principal and the Executive Director, is expected to support the maintenance of a high-quality Montessori/Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE)-aligned educational environment. The roles and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Instructional and Student-Related Responsibilities

• Observe, guide, assist, and supervise students in all school environments (e.g., classroom, playground, campus) throughout the school day;
• Contribute to creating a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social and emotional development of primary and elementary students;
• Assist students toward self-directed learning and normalization, as defined in the Montessori philosophy;
• Continuously take responsibility for the safety and physical well-being of all students in your charge;
• Follow the classroom schedule and procedures established by the Lead Teacher;
• Maintain open and regular communication with the Lead Teacher;
• Ensure that classroom furniture and materials are clean and orderly on an ongoing basis;
• Regularly monitor classroom shelves to ensure they are organized, stocked and replenished as necessary;
• Assist the Lead Teacher in the preparation of classroom materials;
• Assist the Lead Teacher in student record-keeping;
• Guide and assist any Substitute Teacher working in the classroom;
• Demonstrate respect, grace and courtesy for all students and adults.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Demonstrate punctuality and reliability regarding all duties, including those outside of the classroom;
• Regularly attend staff meetings;
• Be in attendance at parent meetings and/or communicate with parents as requested by the Lead Teacher, Academic Principal or the Executive Director;
• Participate in the professional development goal-setting program as required by the school;
• Complete staff development activities to improve job-related skills;
• Serve as a member of at least one school-based or board committee;
• Report any and all accidents or incidents immediately and complete the written documentation procedure required by the school;
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities;
• Manage student behavior in accordance with Montessori principles, positive discipline strategies, the CEMCO Employee Handbook, the CEMCO Family Handbook, and school policies;
• Strictly adhere to all mandated reporter requirements;
• Remain informed of and comply with state, district and school regulations and policies for paraprofessionals, including the CEMCO Employee Handbook;
• Fulfill other duties as determined by the Academic Principal and the Executive Director.

• Required:
  
  A minimum of an Associate’s Degree in education or a related field;
• Strongly preferred:
  Montessori training or experience;
• Strongly preferred: current CPR/first aid certification or willingness to obtain certification;
• Demonstrated computer competency, including the use of Microsoft Office, Google Suite and web-based apps;
• Possess the physical capacity to work with children of primary or elementary age, including lifting up to 40 pounds, bending and working on the floor;
• Demonstrated ability to relate joyfully to children and implement positive discipline strategies;
• Maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, staff, parents, and school issues;
• Perform responsibilities in an ethical and professional manner;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others;
• Use tact, patience and courtesy.

• Full-time position; 37.5 hours/week;
• Non-exempt hourly employee;
• From Classified Hourly Rate Scale;
  Para-Educator Grade 102, step based on education, training and experience;
• Full benefits package, including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, retirement plan, life insurance, and other optional benefit programs;
• 190-day (+10 paid holidays) calendar.

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.