Assistant Teacher: Pasco, WA

at  Bezos Academy

As an Assistant Teacher for Bezos Academy, you share our passion for early-childhood education and the Montessori method, drawing your energy from working in a child-initiated learning process. Your responsibilities will include assisting Lead Teachers in developing and implementing a program that promotes the cognitive, language, emotional, social, and physical development of each child. Drawing on your previous experience working with young children, you will support lead classroom teachers in high-quality, tuition-free, Montessori-inspired programs in our growing network of preschools in under-resourced communities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with children ages 3-5
• Washington Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate or equivalent (Child Development Associate or 12 aligned credit hours) OR willingness to acquire this certification immediately upon hire
• Ability to meet Washington state requirements for teacher assistants prior to start date, including passing background checks and requisite trainings
• Age 18 with high school diploma or GED
• Experience working across lines of difference and strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness
• Ability to supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including ability to lift up to 20 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally
• Access to reliable transportation to and from work to ensure timely, effective instruction and to ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two or more years of experience as an assistant teacher or aide in a preschool
• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or two years of post-secondary coursework in Early Childhood Education
• Experience with Montessori pedagogy
• Experience with children with special needs

• NOTE: The combination of responsibilities may vary based on the needs of the school site, students, and prior experiences of the Assistant Teacher.

Instructional

• Work cohesively with the lead teacher’s plans to prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences. Over time, lead some classroom instructional activities, such as group time or transitions
• Support lead teacher with planning Montessori learning activities
• Depending on experience and instructional readiness, give individual Montessori lessons to students in coordination with the lead teacher
• Assist in guiding every child through self-directed activities, allowing them to develop at his or her own pace
• Along with lead teachers, foster a nurturing, safe, and stimulating, non-competitive environment
• Assist teachers in maintaining records on each child’s progress and development
• Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and use this information to facilitate learning and growth

Operational

• Assist teachers with the full implementation of Bezos Academy’s performance standards, policies, and procedures
• Support Bezos Academy classrooms by following regulations and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of the classroom (i.e., cleaning materials, meal prep, nap time transitions, etc.)
• Prepare and maintain a well-organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children
• Organize materials and clean the workspace to facilitate the learning process for each child
• Support children’s increasing independence with daily living skills (i.e., washing hands, using the bathroom, eating meals and snacks, cleaning up, etc.)

Individual student support

• Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-discipline
• Provide 1:1 support for children who are experiencing big feelings
• Provide 1:1 support for children who are at risk for developmental delays

Other

• Participate in team meetings, center activities, and staff development
• Assist lead teachers in conducting staff/family conferences
• Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family and share information about the child’s day at the preschool
• Lift up to 20 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally to care for young children safely
• Consistently attend work as scheduled to ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios
• Assume postures at low levels (e.g. kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children

Please click here for the full job description.
Bezos Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Bezos Academy participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employee Form I-9 Information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. Bezos Academy only uses E-Verify once a candidate has accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. If E-Verify cannot confirm that an employee is authorized to work, Bezos Academy will give the employee written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so the employee can begin to resolve the issue before any adverse employment action is taken. For more information about your right to work, please see the Notice of Right to Work.
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