Grammar School Instructional Assistant Kinder-Prep & Kindergarten

Grammar School Instructional Assistant Kinder-Prep & Kindergarten - (Part-Time)

Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Grammar School Headmaster

Purpose

The purpose of this position is to educate elementary-aged children (Kindergarten Prep and Kindergarten) in the foundations of learning using classical methods and a biblical worldview in order to prepare students with excellence to pursue God’s truth, knowledge and wisdom, and to do so with diligence and perseverance.

Summary

The Grammar School provides instruction in an educational environment where students develop a love for God’s created order as they discover the truth, goodness and beauty of His world through methods consistent with the first stage of the classical approach to learning known as the trivium. This includes teaching the fundamental elements of each subject area in order to build a framework of knowledge which will serve as the foundation for skills learned in Logic School (the second stage of the trivium), and Rhetoric School (the third phase of the trivium). The GS teacher and Instructional Assistant will lead, instruct, disciple, and mentor students in a manner consistent with the School’s Statement of Faith and the Portrait of a Geneva Teacher.

This position is to support Kinder-Prep and Kindergarten teachers and students. Students will build phonological and phonemic awareness skills, letter-sound knowledge, rhyming, number sense, fine and gross motor skills. They will develop listening and oral language skills through enhanced exposure to stories and literature. Our program is play-based with many hands-on activities that develop reading, math, writing, and listening skills while preparing students for kindergarten.

Supervision Received and Exercised

The Instructional Assistant receives direction from the GS Headmaster, GS administrative team, a grade team leader, GS KPrep & Kindergarten Teachers and mentor. The GS Instructional Assistant must exercise judgment that is in keeping with Geneva’s philosophy of education, beliefs, and values and with the approved curriculum. The GS Headmaster or designee will offer instruction, advice, direction and mentoring. The work is reviewed regularly and consistently.

Work Schedule

This may be a part-time or a full-time, academic year position. In general, the workday is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for ten months. However, as an exempt employee, the employee is expected to work beyond the workday to perform duties outlined in the job description and as assigned. There is a mandatory faculty meeting once a week from 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is also a mandatory retreat each year during in-service.

Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Job Functions

Spiritual Leadership

• Study the Bible, God’s only written Word
• Skillfully articulate the personal/ethical implications of a lifelong faith commitment
• Measure knowledge against the standard of God’s revealed truth in Scripture
• Actively participate in the explicitly religious components of the student and community programs
• Demonstrate an overt commitment to the life of a church and its core traditions
• Respect the School’s Christian mission and values, and aid students in Christian formation by exemplifying Christian living, both in and out of the classroom
• Be a positive role model for students by supporting Geneva’s Beliefs including the School’s Statement of Faith and Statement on Identity, Sexuality and Gender and exemplifying the Portrait of a Geneva Teacher
• Perform duties as a minister and steward of the Christian faith

Lesson Planning, Preparation and Presentation

The Instructional Assistant will assist the classroom teacher with following job functions:

• Demonstrate understanding of pedagogical knowledge, skills and objectives in a classical, Christian school
• Establish a classroom environment that follows the classical methodology with a biblical worldview
• Implement the approved curricular program
• Develop, maintain and implement lesson plans, learning activities, schedules, etc. that fulfill the requirements of the school’s curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation, as required
• Review and revise lesson plans based on student diagnostic and assessment results with GS Headmaster approval
• Clearly articulate established standards for student academic performance
• Work with grade-level team to ensure instructional and cultural consistency across the grade level
• Produce lesson plans to provide evidence of appropriate instruction, learning strategies and activities and when necessary, have available for use by substitute teachers

Student Learning

• Assist the classroom teacher with the conveyance information to students using a variety of modalities, e.g., auditory, visual, demonstrations, discovery, etc.
• Use clear language and appropriate vocabulary, integrating new vocabulary within existing shared framework using the basic tools outlined in the 7 Laws of Learning
• Deliberately articulate how all subjects are interrelated, as parts of God’s integrated universe
• Provide just, reliable, understandable grade/reward structures
• Schedule and assign instructional activities, providing timely feedback on the results
• Assist the classroom teacher in assessing students’ learning and monitoring students' academic progress and personal growth toward stated objectives of instruction
• Assist the classroom teacher in conducting ongoing assessment of student achievement through informal and formal grade level approved testing (i.e. Heggerty and Dibels) to assess students’ learning and monitor academic progress
• Assist the classroom teacher in explaining to students the grades received and ensuring understanding of how improvement might be possible
• Provide private and public positive reinforcement for individual and group successes
• Assist the classroom teacher in maintaining student learning results by providing instructional feedback, reviews, coaching, counseling, tutoring, mentoring, etc.
• Assist the classroom teacher in maintaining records of students' educational progress by documenting accomplishments, attendance and behavior using RenWeb in a timely manner

Classroom Management

• Understand, embrace, interpret and apply Geneva School policies, procedures, and regulations affecting School operations and programs in accordance with the Grammar School culture
• Establish, articulate and maintain standards of student behavior to achieve a classroom climate conducive to learning and respect
• Assist with creating a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
• Assist with maintaining a safe, organized, clean, and stimulating environment in the classroom
• Assist the classroom teacher in managing student behavior in accordance with Grammar School Handbook and culture
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Prioritize tasks, including non-urgent, but important matters
• Assist the classroom teacher in compiling, maintaining, and filing all reports, records, and other documents as required
• Know and understand safety procedures including training in first aid and CPR; to be maintained every two years

Communication

• Establish meaningful emotional/psychological engagement with students, find creative and appropriate ways to be involved in students’ outside-the -class lives without compromising privacy (i.e. athletic events or plays)
• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community
• Maintain godly relationships with parents, other staff members and the community
• Assist the classroom teacher in communicating professionally and timely through email, notes, phone conversations with parents in accordance with the GSB Employee Handbook protocol
• Under the direction of the classroom teacher, support parents by providing academic information, suggesting available educational and social resources, addressing concerns, and answering questions and requests with GS Headmaster input and support

Professionalism

• Demonstrate commitment and loyalty to the School and the teaching profession through speech, punctuality, dress, attitude, and attention to duties
• Present a consistent, predictable and reliable demeanor to students
• Collaborate with staff, co-workers, and administration in a cooperative, professional atmosphere
• Accept constructive feedback to affect personal and professional growth
• Develop and maintain professional competence and continuous improvement through active participation in professional development activities and/or professional organizations
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and staff development activities, as required
• Comply with the policies in the Geneva School Employee Handbook
• Perform other duties as assigned

Essential Requirements

• A disciple of Jesus Christ and as such, one who models a love for God through obedience to His Word; such obedience is evidenced through convictions, lifestyle and worldview
• A full and unreserved supporter of Geneva’s Beliefs including the School’s Statement of Faith and Statement on Identity, Sexuality and Gender.
• Have a passion for teaching and a love for children 
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher or have a certification in Early Childhood Education  
• Certified and experienced educator trained in early childhood development 
• Knowledge of the reading process, the importance of fine motor and sensory development, learning through exploration, and a love of early childhood
• Education and experience with: 
  • Letter-sound knowledge development 
  • Phonemic awareness
• Listening and oral language skill development 
• Creating and managing hands-on learning centers 

Required Technical Abilities

• Proficient in computer programs; MS Outlook and MS Office including Word, PowerPoint, Excel spreadsheets and scheduling
• Capacity and willingness to learn ParentSquare and RenWeb

Required Abilities

• Exhibit consistent Christian maturity
• Exercise wisdom, diplomacy and integrity while maintaining a high level of professionalism
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Apply behavioral and academic standards justly with patience and consistency
• Demonstrate commitment to the well-being of others
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to students, families and fellow employees
• Take independent action where required and handle unique problems
• The ability to adapt quickly to changing situations
• Understand, interpret and apply Geneva School policies, procedures, and regulations affecting school operations and programs
• Make decisions in emergency situations with or without the input of the GS Headmaster

Preferred Experience and Abilities

• Well-versed in pedagogy and developmentally appropriate practices which will build a firm foundation for all future learning.
• Knowledge of and experience with the philosophy of classical Christian education
• A minimum of five years teaching experience in early childhood education 
• State issued Teacher’s Certification in Early Childhood 

Work Environment

• Classroom on open school campus

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Regular walking with ability to observe all students movements in the classroom, on the playground, and other campus locations
• Occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds
• Visual acuity, Auditory function and Speaking capability (with or without correction) necessary to complete the essential job functions
• Ability to access other school classrooms and offices on campus
• Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting as needed for monitoring students and maintaining classroom
• Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.