Classroom Assistant - SY 2026 - 2027

Shining Star Pcs•Washington, DC

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School is seeking Classroom/ Teaching Assistants for its Primary through Elementary grade levels. This position provides integral support to the Lead Guide to ensure that children have an authentic Montessori learning experience. Individuals working on their Montessori Guide certification, initial teaching license (traditional) seeking a mentored internship opportunity under a SSMA Lead Guide are encouraged to apply. Under the direction of the Lead Classroom Guide/Teacher, the Classroom/Teaching Assistant will work in a classroom comprised of students. This position requires love, patience, and respect for children. The Classroom Assistant will encourage the children to be independent and model for them appropriate manners and behaviors and help the lead guide teacher facilitate a classroom environment designed to promote social, physical, intellectual growth and learning excellence by following the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Requirements

Possess a minimum of an Associate’s (required) or Bachelor’s degree (preferred)
At least 3 years of prior working experience, preferably in a Montessori school and/or a diverse public, private, independent or charter elementary school required
Possess a current First Aid and CPR Certificate
Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
Must attend and complete a NCMPS or other (as selected by the school) Montessori classroom assistant training (provided during August summer institute) and RBT training during the year.
Have a sense of humor and a love of children.

Nice To Haves

CDA certificate preferred but not required
Bilingualism in Spanish, French, or Amharic a plus

Responsibilities

Provide Support to the Lead Classroom Teacher
Manage the classroom in such a way that protects that lessons that the lead teacher is giving.
Encourage the children to be independent and model for them appropriate manners and behaviors.
Work with individual children or small groups as directed by the lead guide/teacher.
Preparing the Montessori classroom environment to meet the students’ needs and interests.
Take attendance daily for the Guide.
Provide instruction or serve as Co-Teacher/Guide under supervision of the Lead Guide.
Assist in the Maintenance of the Prepared Montessori Classroom Environment
Clean the classroom and replenish materials and supplies in the morning and afternoon.
Move throughout the classroom during work periods to make sure the classroom continues to be clean, lively, and inviting.
Make materials as required by the lead guide/ teacher.
Assist in Data Collection and Record Keeping
Participate in all training related to data collection and assessment. This includes taking daily attendance in PowerSchool.
Gather written observations and input them in SSMA SIS and any other data keeping systems as directed by the lead guide/teacher.
Discuss observations with the lead guide/teacher and other teaching staff as appropriate.
Assist with the administration of Teacher developed or standardized assessments as directed. To include EC, LE and UE assessments.
Provide Primary Supervision During Non-Academic Times
Provide supervision and enriching activities during nonacademic times including arrival, lunch, recess, dismissal, before and after care.
Provide communication about students’ development during these times to the lead teacher.
Enter attendance daily and support a culture of attendance’ for families experiencing difficulties with coming to school.