Montessori Teaching Assistant (Upper Elementary)

Serves with a Lead Teacher in a mixed-age classroom of 4th/5th-grade students.

This posting is for an immediate vacancy that will then roll into the 2025-26 School Year.

Coastal Empire Montessori Community Organization

Teaching Assistant

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/standards-aligned educational environment. The roles and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Roles and Responsibilities

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;”
• 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 in order to ensure that they are organized, stocked and replenished as necessary;
• Assist the Lead Teacher as guided in the preparation of classroom materials;
• Assist the Lead Teacher as guided in student record-keeping;
• Guide and assist any Substitute Teacher working in the classroom; and
• 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, Director of Academics 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 para- professionals, including the CEMCO Employee Handbook;
• 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; and
• Fulfill other duties as determined by the Academic Principal and the Executive Director.

Other Requirements

• Required: A minimum of an Associate’s Degree in education or a related field;
• Preferred: Georgia Paraprofessional Certification;
• Strongly preferred: Montessori training or experience;
• 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; and
• Use tact, patience and courtesy.

Compensation and Schedule

• Full-time position; 37.5 hours/week;
• Non-exempt hourly employee;
• From Classified Salary Scale (Para-Educator Grade 06; Step per negotiation);
• Full benefits package; and
• 190-day ( 10 paid holidays)