Educational Assistant - Forest Kindergarten

Hamilton County Schools•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

The mission of Red Bank Elementary is to ensure all students learn at high levels through the provision of high quality instruction and a positive culture where educators model and develop leadership, innovation, ownership, and never-give-up grit. We boast our collaborative culture and innovative resources as an award winning STEM Designation school with an eLab, Culinary Arts Lab, and Forest Program. Our collective commitments are: Shared Vision, Mission, and Values Relationships Collaboration Response to Intervention Collective Responsibility Continuous Improvement Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County. Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030. The purpose of this classification is to provide teaching assistance under the direction of a licensed teacher in classrooms or as otherwise needed. Applicants must be prepared to spend most of each school day working with students and teachers in Forest Kindergarten regardless of the weather conditions. Applicants should have knowledge or understanding of early childhood development as well as some knowledge and appreciation of the outdoors. The person in this position will be responsible for assisting the teacher in daily instruction and the students in daily learning in both the indoor and outdoor classroom, accompanying students to and from the building and leading small groups of students in their learning explorations. At times this person may be expected to take on the role of the teacher in Forest Kindergarten in the event of an absence. Additionally, this person will be asked to record daily events in a journal format and to assist with assessments and evaluations of students.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required; basic technology skills required; general office/clerical experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must possess one of the following before reporting to work: (1) 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours; (2) An Associate’s degree or higher; (3) passing score on PRAXIS for Parapro Exam.
Fluency in Spanish required for educational assistant in ESOL program.
Ability to learn and implement a variety of teaching strategies.
Demonstrate proficient verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working with children preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists teachers in classroom or other educational settings; oversees, monitors, or conducts classes during the temporary absence of teachers; assists teachers in setting up and conducting various class activities and projects; works with and assists students during class activities and projects; prepares instructional materials for classroom use; copies materials for use by teachers; sets up and assists with classroom technology; assists in administering and grading tests; assists in evaluating student performance and skill levels; creates bulletin boards, displays, or wall decorations; and assists with cleanup activities.
Provides tutoring or one-on-one assistance to students in basic educational skills; assists students with word study, spelling, sentence writing, reading, math, science, physical education, or other areas; utilizes instructional programs; assists with development of lesson plans.
Monitors students in cafeteria, auditorium, halls, bus zones, or other common areas; organizes groups of students upon arrival/departure; seats students in appropriate areas; assists in cleaning tables or spills; chaperones students on field trips occurring during the regular school day only.
Monitors behavior/activities of students and initiates disciplinary action per prescribed policies under the teacher’s direction.
Follows established procedures for ensuring students are safe.
Performs clerical tasks in support of teaching activities, office operations, and/or other school functions.
Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, school officials, teachers, students, parents, vendors, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Attends staff meetings, parent meetings, IEP-Team meetings, or other meetings as required.
Follows established procedures for ensuring assigned areas are safe.
Works collaboratively with supervisor, administrators, employees, students, and other stakeholders.
Attends work regularly and arrives to work in a timely fashion.
Maintains confidentiality.
Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.