Lower School Teaching Assistant

St David's School•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

The Lower School Teaching Assistant works in partnership with the Lower School team to create a positive, organized, and engaging learning environment. The position reports to the Head of Lower School and works with the Lower School Advisory Council Teaching Assistant Representative. The cooperating teacher assigns daily responsibilities to support effective communication, efficiency, and classroom needs. The role includes classroom preparation and organization, administrative and clerical work, student supervision, support during whole-group instruction, and leading or assisting with small-group and individualized learning. The teaching assistant is expected to remain actively engaged throughout the school day, collaborate with lead teachers, respond constructively to feedback, use initiative, and adapt responsibilities to support students and the classroom team. The position also requires a warm and respectful manner, consistent guidance, and a commitment to the Lower School community.

Requirements

Ability to maintain a warm, respectful tone with students while providing firm, clear, and consistent guidance.
Ability to remain attentive, present, and responsive to student needs throughout the school day.
Ability to collaborate with lead teachers, communicate openly, and respond constructively to feedback.
Ability to take initiative, anticipate classroom needs, and adapt to changing classroom responsibilities.
Ability to support classroom instruction, student behavior, and learning activities, including small-group and one-on-one support.

Responsibilities

Take daily attendance unless otherwise directed by the lead teacher.
Maintain graded student work files for weekly distribution to families.
Manage weekly folders and behavior charts, as applicable.
Assist with classroom setup and preparation at the beginning of the school year.
Keep supplies stocked, instructional materials prepared, and shared spaces orderly.
Complete clerical and administrative tasks as needed, including copying, laminating, scanning, faxing, and cutting instructional materials.
Grade non-subjective assignments as directed by the lead teacher.
Sanitize desks and other high-touch surfaces at the end of the day unless otherwise directed.
Stack or arrange chairs at the end of the day unless otherwise directed.
Supervise lunch five days per week, excluding PreK.
Supervise recess as assigned.
Assist with morning carpool, excluding PreK, and afternoon carpool, with some PreK exceptions.
Supervise bathroom breaks and provide appropriate assistance during bathroom-related accidents.
Safely escort students to and from enrichment classes and ensure orderly, controlled transitions.
Attend all required St. David's professional development days and sessions.
Remain actively engaged during whole-group instruction, anticipate student needs, and support the lead teacher.
Circulate through the classroom to monitor engagement, reinforce expectations, and assist students.
Know, model, and consistently reinforce classroom behavior expectations.
Support students in maintaining attention, following directions, and participating appropriately in lessons.
Provide proactive redirection and behavioral support to minimize interruptions to instruction.
Use teachable moments to guide students in their faith, reinforce positive character development, and encourage appropriate behaviors.
Support students during enrichment classes as needed, particularly in PreK and Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year.
Assist with classroom technology and instructional materials to support lesson delivery.
Assume lead classroom responsibilities when necessary, including using classroom technology, maintaining classroom management, and delivering lessons as directed or planned with the lead teacher.
Lead or support small-group instructional activities as directed by the lead teacher.
Work one-on-one with students to reinforce skills, clarify directions, and provide targeted academic support.
Facilitate learning activities during instructional rotations and centers.
Reinforce concepts and skills introduced by the lead teacher using provided materials and strategies.
Support students in completing assignments while encouraging independence and productive struggle.
Monitor student understanding and provide immediate feedback during small-group activities.
Maintain clear behavioral and instructional expectations in small groups.
Communicate observations about student progress, challenges, and instructional needs to the lead teacher.
Assist with transitions between instructional rotations to maximize active learning time.
Deliver teacher-planned lessons or activities independently when requested.
Maintain a spirit of service, ownership, and commitment to the Lower School community.
Communicate openly with lead teachers, respond constructively to feedback, and collaborate to meet student needs.
Anticipate classroom needs, take initiative when appropriate, and adapt responsibilities to support the classroom team.