Early Years Teacher Assistant

Nord Anglia Education•Fairview Township, PA

About The Position

The Early Years Teacher Assistant supports the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning by working collaboratively with classroom teachers to create a safe, inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environment. The role includes assisting with classroom activities, supporting individual and small-group learning, preparing educational resources, supervising students, and contributing to their academic, social, and emotional development. The Teaching Assistant is expected to demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and a strong commitment to student wellbeing, safeguarding, and the values and educational philosophy of Metropolitan School of Panama. The position is in the Elementary School and reports to the Elementary School Principal. Key working relationships include Homeroom Teachers, Specialist Teachers, students, parents, and the School Leadership Team. Metropolitan School of Panama is an international school in Panama City serving students from Early Childhood 3 through Grade 12. It has approximately 800 students representing over 45 nationalities and more than 120 internationally experienced educators. Founded in 2011, the school emphasizes outstanding teaching, small class sizes, and a supportive environment.

Requirements

Good command of spoken and written English.
Previous experience working with children in educational, childcare, or similar environments.
Ability to support classroom instruction and student learning activities.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to establish positive, professional relationships with students and colleagues.
Basic proficiency in information technology and digital tools.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team, follow instructions, and work independently when appropriate.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time-management abilities.
Commitment to student safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional conduct.
Proactive, adaptable approach to identifying classroom needs, managing multiple responsibilities, and changing priorities.
Patience, empathy, and sensitivity to children's individual needs.
Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
Integrity, discretion, and commitment to continuous learning and professional improvement.

Nice To Haves

Studies or qualifications in Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, or a related field.
Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant in an elementary or international school environment.
Familiarity with inquiry-based learning and student-centered teaching approaches.
Experience supporting students with diverse learning needs.
Knowledge of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Support the Homeroom Teacher in delivering engaging, inclusive, and differentiated learning experiences.
Assist students individually and in small groups according to teacher guidance and established learning objectives.
Reinforce classroom learning and provide academic support based on individual student needs.
Support students in developing independence, confidence, positive learning habits, and appropriate classroom behavior.
Assist teachers with assessments, observations, and student record keeping as directed.
Help maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages participation and engagement.
Provide support to students requiring differentiated instruction or individualized learning strategies under the teacher's direction.
Assist with school trips, educational activities, special events, and extracurricular programs as required.
Prepare instructional materials, classroom resources, and learning activities; organize and maintain supplies and equipment.
Support classroom displays and student work, and help maintain a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming classroom.
Ensure learning materials are prepared in advance and assist with routine administrative tasks, classroom transitions, and daily routines.
Supervise students during classroom activities, recess, transitions, school events, and other assigned duties.
Promote a safe, respectful, inclusive, and nurturing environment; remain alert to risks and respond appropriately to student safety and wellbeing concerns.
Follow safeguarding policies and reporting requirements, promptly report concerns or inappropriate incidents to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, and maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Support emergency response procedures, including evacuations and other school safety protocols, and demonstrate awareness of students' emotional, social, and developmental needs.
Collaborate with Homeroom Teachers, Specialist Teachers, and the Elementary School team; communicate professionally with colleagues, students, and families in accordance with teacher guidance and school communication channels.
Contribute to a collaborative school culture and participate in school activities, meetings, professional development sessions, and events as required.
Provide flexible support to other classrooms or colleagues when operational needs arise.
Maintain professionalism, integrity, punctuality, attendance, and appropriate personal presentation; comply with the Staff Handbook, Code of Conduct, and institutional policies.
Participate in annual performance reviews, pursue agreed development objectives, and complete mandatory Nord Anglia University training, including safeguarding and compliance courses.
Seek opportunities to improve professional knowledge and classroom support practices, demonstrate initiative and accountability, and represent the school positively.