Lower School Teaching Assistant

Creative Minds International PCS Creative Minds International Public Charter School - Washington, District of Columbia Open in Google Maps

Starting Date: Immediately

Teaching Assistants at Creative Minds International provide an inviting, exciting, learning environment for students. Teaching Assistants, under the direction of Early Childhood and Elementary Directors and Principals will assist with supervision, and teaching of children in a classroom setting. They support student engagement in meaningful learning opportunities.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting implementation of International Curriculum and Common Core State Standards-based goals and objectives in small group instruction;
• Reinforcing clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, and assessments;
• Support the classroom teachers in meeting the needs, interests, and abilities for all students, including students with disabilities, EL students, and those who are gifted and talented;
• Drawing on content from CMI professional development to reinforce student learning, promote social-emotional development and contribute to a positive school culture;
• Performs record-keeping and clerical functions (e.g. scheduling, copying, ) in support of the teacher and/or administrator.
• Provides verbal feedback and/or written documentation to inform teacher(s) and/or parents of students
• Supporting observations of students and taking anecdotal notes to inform planning in the arrangement of small groups, classroom setup, integrations of students’ interests in learning activities, and subsequent assessments;
• Enhancing student progress through informal student evaluations;
• Prepare and organize classroom materials and equipment;
• Supporting the use of a variety of instructional materials, resources, and experiences to enrich student learning;
• Collaborating with teachers to provide educational opportunities that reflect an understanding of students’ unique sensory and information processing profiles;
• Using appropriate techniques and strategies that promote and enhance creative problem-solving and evaluative thinking of students;
• Working with teachers to support the progress of individual students;
• Ability to stay calm and empathetic when working with students who may be struggling;
• Using effective, positive, and respectful interpersonal communication skills;
• Provide flexible classroom coverage in response to staffing or scheduling needs;
• Ensure compliance with school rules, policies, and safety procedures;
• Establishing positive relationships with colleagues, students, families, and the community which reflect recognition of and respect for every individual;
• Incorporating technology into instruction;
• Attending required professional development
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability and experience to engage the interest of school-age children;
• Prior experience in a public or private school, preferably in an urban setting;
• Demonstrated ability to work well with parents;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member;
• Patience, flexibility, and a willingness to take risks;
• Consistent reflection on her/his own teaching practices;
• Experience working with linguistically and ethnically diverse student populations and children with developmental differences;
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and eagerness to learn;
• Demonstrated commitment to the well-being and success of all;
• High School Diploma (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
• Valid Child Development Associate Certification (CDA) preferred
• Previous experience required (previous experience working with students with special needs preferred)

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms;

climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or…