Lower School Teacher Assistant

Catherine Cook School•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Catherine Cook School seeks an assistant who will work together with the lead teacher to build warm, respectful, and supportive relationships with students. The ideal candidate will help cultivate a safe and stimulating learning environment. Teacher Assistants help create the foundation for a smoothly functioning classroom team by communicating openly and honestly with the lead teacher about the expectations of their roles, duties, and classroom routines.

Requirements

B.A. in progress or completed
Willingness to learn and grow professionally

Nice To Haves

Prefer candidates preparing for a career in teaching, pursuing M.A. in Education, or looking for a year of classroom experience before taking on their own classrooms
Skilled at building a strong and dynamic classroom community with effective management strategies, using the Responsive Classroom approach.
Work effectively with the grade-level team, sharing ideas and responsibilities.
Communicate thoughtfully, respectfully, and clearly with colleagues, parents, and caregivers, building productive partnerships.
Skilled in fostering community involvement and coordinating community-related activities.
Flexibility to handle various tasks and responsibilities as needed.
Ability to promote and develop a positive school culture.

Responsibilities

Participating in all classroom activities as determined by the lead teacher.
Leading activities/lessons with groups of students as determined by the lead teacher.
Being alert to students’ needs and responding appropriately.
Discussing observations and insights about students and curriculum with the classroom team.
Utilizing technology to expand learning opportunities, collaborate, and communicate with all members of the Catherine Cook community.
Contributing to a collaborative learning environment and communicating effectively.
Integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion practices that are developmentally appropriate, to encourage kindness, bravery, and empathy within our classrooms, school, city, and within a global community.
Participating actively in discussions about cultural, racial, and other differences with students, colleagues, and families.
Assisting with morning arrival, dismissal, lunchroom, and recess supervisory duties as assigned.
Adhering to school policies – (e.g. reads and follows the Catherine Cook Faculty Handbook and contract).
Contributing ideas and talents to the classroom and school community.
Participating in weekly Wednesday staff meetings.
Participating in professional development and reflective practices with supervisor.