St. Thomas More Preschool, located in Austin, Texas, is currently accepting applications for a preschool teacher assistant to work in a 4-year-old classroom.

Job Summary

The Preschool Teacher Assistant for a 4-Year-Old Classroom at St. Thomas More Preschool fulfills the school's mission by assisting the teacher in planning, implementing, and assessing the student's learning progress with guidance and supervision from the classroom teacher. In addition, the teacher assistant helps the teacher prepare instructional materials and assists with students while supporting learning activities. The teacher assistant will step in and lead the class in the absence of the teacher. The preschool Director supervises and evaluates the teacher assistant with input from the assigned teacher.

Candidate Characteristics

The classroom teacher assistant candidate should have:

• Passion to influence the lives of pre-kindergarten children.
• Patience is lovingly meeting young learners' spiritual, academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs.
• Creativity in making learning both fun and meaningful.
• Flexibility to manage the educational, logistical, and interpersonal challenges of working in a team.
• Patience in accepting guidance and assignments from the classroom teacher.
• Dedication to the teaching profession and desire to continually improve.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma

Experience

• None required
• Working with young children is preferred.

Certifications and Training:

• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.
• Compliance with the annual staff development hour requirements of 25 hours each year.

*The last two qualification requirements will be met during the employment period and the employee will receive guidance on meeting the requirements.

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and play a role in assisting him to fulfill his ministry, canonical obligations, and service to God. Administrators of these Catholic schools serve as leaders of the school to make Christ's mission not only present but enduring in the schools.

Essential Duties

• Support and adhere to the Standard of Conduct and Policies and Procedures of the school.
• Monitor and assist individual students in small instructional groups to support learning activities.
• Supervise students at lunch, recess, and in routine movement around school grounds.
• Use effective instructional strategies according to standard practice.
• Use varied assessment tools to perform both formative and summative assessments.
• Provide instruction and assessment for understanding.
• Perform clerical tasks, prepare instructional materials and other classroom preparation as directed by the teacher.
• Practice positive, consistent discipline with classroom management in conjunction with the teacher.
• Collaborate with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning.
• Maintain prompt and effective work schedule.
• Demonstrate a sincere love of learning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of child development, learning, and behavior.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously and following directions from the teacher.
• Skill in using job-appropriate technology.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Skill in pacing and differentiating instruction.
• Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process.
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format.
• Skill in demonstrating professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
• Skill in collaborating with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning.
• Ability to respond to individual learning needs.
• Ability to manage student behavior in the classroom setting.
• Ability to work well with others in the school community.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

Working Conditions

• All employees of STM Preschool are engaged in ministry and are closely tied to the school's mission and the Director's obligation to the school.
• STM Preschool is an at-will employer.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• Required to work in multiple educational settings.
• Required to adhere to assigned work schedule; prompt arrival/dismissal and good attendance.
• Exposed to religious ceremonies as well as conduct and speech including Christian prayers and Catholic liturgical celebrations. Staff meetings and other school functions may open with Christian prayer.

Physical Demands

• Required to lift or carry supplies, textbooks equipment, etc.
• Required to sit, stand, bend, stoop, grab, pull, hear, see, and speak daily.
• Required to monitor students in various locations, including those with noise, activity, and inclement weather.
• Required to perform basic tasks such as reading writing and basic keyboarding.