Teacher Assistant

FLSA Status: Temporary, Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate: $20.00/hour

Position

Reports To:

Lead Teacher and Co-Heads of School

Work Location: Vancouver, WA (Root Wise Academy Campus)

Root Wise Academy is a leading educational program nestled on a beautiful five-acre property in Vancouver, WA. Our campus is more than just classrooms — students explore gardens, care for chickens, and play in outdoor spaces that include a zipline, rock wall, and nature trails. We’re dedicated to creating a vibrant, supportive, and student-centered learning environment where curiosity is celebrated and every child’s strengths and interests are honored.

At Root Wise, learning extends far beyond textbooks: our holistic approach helps students grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally, fostering resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of community. Passionate educators, hands-on experiences, and a commitment to equity make Root Wise Academy a place where students thrive as confident, capable learners and compassionate citizens.

The Teacher Assistant (TA) at Root Wise Academy is more than a traditional support role. Our TAs are passionate educators with a strong background in child development or education, committed to making a meaningful impact on student success. Working closely with lead teachers, TAs take initiative in the classroom—actively identifying opportunities to support student learning, adapting to individual needs, and serving as a valuable resource for both students and teachers.

They provide individualized or small-group instruction, foster engagement and curiosity, and help cultivate a positive, inclusive classroom culture. Root Wise TAs are collaborative partners, contributing ideas and expertise to strengthen collective efficacy and ensure that every child thrives.

Please note:
This is a temporary position for the  school year.

• Under teacher and administrator supervision, provide general and targeted instructional support to students, implement lesson plans, and assist with assessments
• Support student learning through individual and small-group assistance in core subjects, especially literacy and math
• Supervise students during lunch and recess as needed, ensuring safety and positive social interactions
• Provide behavioral support using methods such as redirecting, positive reinforcement, and collaborative conversations
• Help maintain a positive, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment, employing a variety of teaching and behavioral support strategies
• Consistently and fairly uphold behavioral expectations
• Collaborate with staff to understand student skill levels, characteristics, strengths, disabilities, and learning differences
• Participate in property-based activities such as gardening, animal care, and forest exploration with students
• Communicate positively and professionally with students, families, and staff
• Prepare materials, set up activities, and assist with daily classroom routines
• Maintain confidentiality and respond sensitively to student needs and situations

• 2 years of college or equivalent education preferred
• Experience working with children in a school setting
• Strong elementary academic skills, especially in literacy and math
• Ideal candidates will have experience teaching music, or at minimum, a solid understanding of music theory and practical knowledge of playing instruments, and can teach a music class for students
• Ability to work well with others and contribute to a positive, solution-focused, and collaborative work environment
• Intermediate computer skills, preferably with Google Suite
• Advanced organizational and communication skills, verbal and written
• Experience working with diverse populations of students, staff, and/or community members
• Ability to identify sensitive situations and adjust response accordingly
• Commitment to inclusivity, culturally responsive practices, and supporting a diverse community
• Bilingual and multicultural skills preferred

• Sit, stand, and walk throughout the day
• Use hands for grasping, pushing & pulling, fine manipulation
• Bend, squat, and climb stairs frequently
• Occasionally…