Elementary Center - Instructional Assistant

Open Position: Elementary Center - Instructional Assistant

Direct Reports: N/A

Reporting To: Director of the Elementary Center

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

When Needed: 2024-2025 School Year (August - June)

FT/PT: Full-Time

On-site

Pay rate: $29.39 per hour

Why St. Thomas School?

You thrive in a face-paced environment, working alongside others who share your ideals. You are inspired by children and appreciate their joy and energy. You enjoy making an impact and being part of something bigger than yourself. You believe that schools should be among the most innovative places on earth. And you are committed to excellence and professional growth.

Who We Are

Founded in 1951 and located on the east side of Seattle in Medina, Washington, STS is a private, non-sectarian school for Preschool through Eighth Grade students. Our educational journey is defined by a cognitively engaging program with an emphasis on developing character, leadership, and a passion for learning and achievement. Our highly regarded curriculum prepared students to excel at future endeavors while honoring the school’s long standing core values.

We commit to an inclusive and diverse community in which everyone can say, "I belong." We seek employees who are passionate, qualified, and offer diverse perspectives. We are particularly interested in the role education and a diverse learning environment play in promoting equity and inclusivity.

We Foster

• A diverse, safe, and equitable school environment
• Actions and advocacy that support our Core Virtues
• Cultural competence, anti-bias, and social justice
• Intellectually curious and engaged global citizenship
  
  

Job Summary

Under close partnership with, and at the direction of, the direct supervisor and the classroom teachers, assists the teachers in daily classroom activities, implementing programs, assembling displays of student work throughout the School, and is involved in recess and lunch supervision. Supports students, parents, and other community members in realizing our Guiding Principles. Abides by our Framework for Professional Standards. This is an in-person position working directly with cohorts of students.

Specific Responsibilities

• Becomes familiar with the Elementary Center’s program continuum and related resources and materials so that s/he can support teaching in multiple classrooms
• Works with students in small groups, individually, or as a whole class, interested in taking the responsibility for leading the class at times
• Works within the school’s framework of student coaching and positive discipline to encourage a supportive and respectful environment.
• Assists in general supervision in the classroom
• Supervises the playground, following established recess rules and discipline, and reporting notable student behaviors
• Supervises the lunchroom, following established rules and discipline, reporting notable student behaviors, and monitoring the cleanliness of the area.
• Provides staffing to School’s Extended Day Program
• Performs general duties as assigned by the EC Teachers and Division Director
• Communicates regularly with the teachers and plans collaboratively in order to understand how to best use his/her skills and meet the needs of students
• Assists with administrative tasks such as copying, mounting displays, preparing centers, arranging classroom materials, collating documents, etc.
• Remains informed about events and developments at the school through the weekly newsletters of teachers and through the STS News and other bulletins.
• Performs such tasks and duties as assigned that would be generally within those functions to be expected at a school or as mutually agreeable between the Instructional Assistant and the teachers or administration
• Shows initiative by asking for assignments that would expand performance and capability, under the direction of the teachers and/or administration
• If qualified, provides substitution in the classrooms for absent teachers in emergencies.
• Participates in beginning and end of year Professional Development days
• Enthusiastically engages in his/her own professional development
• Establishes and cultivates community relations by maintaining open and candid dialogue with all of the school’s constituencies
• Attends and participates in the following: Chapel, parent and student assemblies, and other school functions as appropriate
• Substitutes for teachers in EC as well as other divisions as needed.
• Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
• Since safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials and facilities
• Performs other duties as assigned
  
  

Required Education, Training & Experience

• Associate degree or enrollment in a 4 year degree program
• Degree in Education or a related field from a 4-year college or university preferred
• Previous experience working with children (classroom, summer camp, tutoring)
• 1-2+ years of combined teaching experience in a school setting preferred
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understands the developmental stages of children ages 6-10 years old
• Knowledge of current learning theories and trends in instruction, child development, and the ability to apply this knowledge to the design and implementation of children’s learning experiences
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the children and program
• Flexibility to work with a number of teachers and administrators in an ever changing environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to work efficiently in a Microsoft Windows environment using Microsoft Office, master common automated systems for record keeping, and learn new technology
• Ability to work, collaborate, and communicate well with all levels of faculty and staff
• Ability to work, collaborate, and communicate well with students and their parents
• Some travel required (field trips)
  
  

Benefits Include

• Medical
• Health Savings Account
• Dental
• Vision
• Dependent Care Spending Account
• Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings
• Winter Wellness Days (between Dec 25 and Jan 1)
  
  

If this sounds like you, we'd like to hear from you. Please click on Apply Now and complete our online employment application, then upload your résumé and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in and qualified for this position. Thank you for your interest in St. Thomas School and this position.

Position open until filled.

https://www.stthomasschool.org/about/careers

No phone calls or drop-ins please.

Thank you for your interest in St. Thomas School and this position.

This description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.