Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher Assistant (2026-2027)

Spartanburg7•Spartanburg, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Assists the Lower Elementary Montessori teacher in providing a well-organized classroom that supports academic growth, independence, and responsible participation in a multiage learning community. Under the teacher’s direction, reinforces instruction, maintains the prepared environment, observes and supports students, and assists with classroom routines and school duties. Supports the integration of Montessori practices, South Carolina academic standards, and district instructional expectations.

Requirements

At least two years of study or 60 semester hours at an accredited institution of higher education; an associate’s degree or higher; or an approved state or local academic assessment that measures the paraprofessional’s knowledge of and ability to assist with instruction at the appropriate level.
Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
Ability to follow teacher plans and oral and written directions; reinforce academic skills; support students with patience and kindness; and maintain positive working relationships.
Demonstrates sound judgment, attention to detail, effective communication, basic reading and mathematics skills, and proficiency with routine classroom technology and office equipment.
Organizes and prioritizes tasks, takes initiative within assigned responsibilities, and responds calmly to unexpected situations.
Maintains accurate, timely work; reliable attendance; confidentiality; professional conduct; and compliance with district and school procedures.
Demonstrates dependable supervision, care of the classroom environment, respectful teamwork, and consistent support of teacher-directed instruction and student independence.
Requires work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis.
Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether like or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from supervisor.
Requires the ability to read a variety of documents. Must be able to speak with poise, voice control and confidence and to articulate information to others.
Requires the ability to apply logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of instructions in oral, written or diagrammatic form; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information and the ability to comprehend and implement basic machinery functions.
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational and cultural backgrounds.
Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals, to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using automated office equipment and communications machinery.
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items including computer keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency or tight deadline. The worker is subject to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.
Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to hear and understand communications through a telephone.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with elementary students
Familiarity with Montessori philosophy and materials
Montessori assistant training
Must be willing to learn and implement Montessori classroom practices under the teacher’s direction.

Responsibilities

Supports morning and extended-day work periods by helping students follow individual work plans, select appropriate activities as directed by the teacher, sustain engagement, and complete and return materials with care.
Reinforces lessons and skills previously introduced by the teacher; provides individual and small-group practice according to teacher plans and guidance.
Encourages independence by allowing students time to think, solve problems, and complete tasks before offering assistance. Uses prompts and redirection that build responsibility and confidence.
Prepares, organizes, cleans, and maintains Montessori materials, classroom shelves, books, thematic resources, and student work spaces. Checks that materials are complete and accessible and reports damage or missing items.
Models respectful communication, appropriate movement, care of the environment, and grace and courtesy. Helps students practice cooperation, conflict resolution, and appropriate use of classroom materials.
Observes students during lessons and independent work; records objective information about engagement, skill practice, work completion, and behavior as requested. Shares observations promptly with the teacher to inform instruction and support.
Assists with teacher-directed learning supports, accommodations, and interventions for students with varied needs. Follows assigned student support plans and communicates concerns to the teacher.
Maintains active supervision and appropriate proximity to students in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, playground, arrival and dismissal areas, on field trips, and during other assigned activities. Responds promptly to unsafe behavior and follows school safety procedures.
Assists with attendance, student communication folders, instructional records, assignment review, assessment administration, and recording scores or progress information as directed. Maintains accurate records and protects confidential student information.
Assists with transitions, classroom routines, snack preparation as assigned, and student organization.
Provides classroom coverage or substitute support when assigned in accordance with district procedures.
Distributes and inventories textbooks, technology devices, and instructional supplies; assists with basic technology troubleshooting and submits help requests as needed.
Prepares instructional materials and displays; copies, laminates, files, enters data, and completes other routine clerical tasks.
Collects and receipts school-related funds as assigned according to district procedures.
Communicates professionally with students, families, colleagues, and school staff within assigned responsibilities. Refers questions about instructional decisions, student progress, placement, or concerns to the teacher or administrator.
Participates in staff meetings, planning conversations, in-service programs, and Montessori training as assigned. Works collaboratively with the teacher to maintain consistent expectations and routines.
Performs other related duties as assigned.