Teaching Assistant

Title: Teaching Assistant Status: Hourly – School Year
Reports To: Assistant Principal Revision Date: August 29, 2025

The mission of MRCS is to provide a superior Montessori program of study that will develop lifelong learners. Our children will be prepared academically, emotionally and socially by creating a love of learning through meaningful and fulfilling educational experiences.

The vision is that MRCS will embody the Montessori philosophy through innovative programing, teacher preparedness and student achievement. In turn, MRCS will Cultivate a strong, vibrant and authentic environment by actively engaging with stakeholders in the Greater Erie community.

Montessori believes in guiding the students to grow academically, emotionally and socially. The Montessori classroom is designed to engage students in an environment that is conducive to learning and academic growth. It is the assistant's job to assist the teacher in attaining this environment. The Teaching Assistant guides the student through assignments by demonstrating independence and personal accountability. Working with small groups, the assistant teacher helps the students through work cycles and gathers completed work. In addition, the Teaching Assistant works with the teacher to ensure that the environment is Ordered, Organized and Beautiful.

There are five Major Areas of Responsibility:

Academic Support

• Assist students with daily work plans, directing them to resources and guiding their progress as well as checking completed work

• Collaborate with lead teacher in developing Teaching Assistant’s understanding of Montessori theories, concepts, principles and applications

• Responsible for following lead teacher lesson plans and instruction in teaching the following lesson content (content will vary by grade level and includes but is not limited to the following):

• Time for Kids
• Handwriting
• Math Facts
• Spelling
• Individual/Small group direction

Montessori Physical Environment

• Assist students and lead teacher in maintaining the Montessori environment which includes Order, Organization and Beauty as well as the safety and security of the physical environment

• Assist students in removing and replacing materials in the proper locations to ensure the organization and order of materials

• Assist students in keeping hallways and cubbies orderly and clean

• Assist students and lead teacher in keeping surfaces clean and orderly

• Assist students in daily clean up after lunch, recess and activities

• Notify maintenance of conditions in the classroom that need repair or replacement of items that are broken or pose a safety problem.

Record Keeping and Administrative

• Daily attendance logged into PowerSchool system

• Daily lunch count

• Collecting daily communications from families and routing to office (transportation notes, attendance notes etc.)

• Assist teacher in ensuring transportation plans for each child (dismissal) are clearly communicated and implemented

• Checking in daily homework assignments (varies by level)

• Gathering materials in preparation for planned lessons

• Filling out copy requests for routine and pre planned lessons

• Proctor PSSA testing annually (varies by level)

Classroom Management

• While the lead teacher is conducting small group lessons, ensure that the students doing individual work are non-disruptive, engaged and on task. PROTECT THE LESSON

• Maintain a safe, secure and productive environment at all times by monitoring student

behavior and interactions

• Be thoroughly familiar with Code of Conduct procedures and utilize code of conduct process to ensure consistency of vocabulary and process throughout the school and ensure a focused, productive Montessori environment

• Knowledge of and reinforcement of Montessori Pride Values

• Arrival (am) and Dismissal (pm) duties – Maintain student order and assist students in established routines to ensure the orderly transition to and from the school day

• Supervise students at lunch or recess following established duty requirements

• Transition students from classroom routine to lunch period, recess, and specials by assuring that routines are followed including the quiet and orderly travel in hallway and in and out of the building

• Attend Specials classes to support classroom teacher

• Assist teacher in ensuring the students are safe, secure and accounted for at all times including during transitions, lunch, recess and on field trips

• Assist students in resolving interpersonal issues

• Maintain classroom order and ensure that classroom and school rules are understood and followed

• Verify that Walkie-Talkies are in working order each day and turned to the appropriate channels

• Report all in school or playground accidents or incidents that result in head injury (suspected concussion), visible bruises, or serious cuts (requiring medical attention) to Nurse’s office (or office administration) immediately and fill out Incident Report Mandated Reporter – adhere to MRCS Mandated Reporter Policy

Maintaining Montessori Regional Charter School Culture – the following qualities and conditions are essential to establishing an environment that supports our commitment to students’ academic, emotional and social growth within a Montessori framework. We are all responsible for supporting and practicing these values:

• Our mission is to educate children; all decisions must go through the filter of

“How does this decision affect all students’ academic growth and development”?

• Staff must show grace and courtesy towards one another and towards students’ at all times

• Order, organization and beauty are the goals of our physical environment

• Staff members are expected to consistently follow systems and procedures that have been established

• Staff members are expected to support the principles of the Montessori Method and the Mission of the Montessori Regional Charter School particularly in communications with students and their families

• The goal of Montessori is to encourage independence and self-reliance. The principle of “Do not do for a child what he/she can do for themselves” should be considered when assisting and guiding children to their highest level of ability

• Students must be treated with kindness, patience, forgiveness and tolerance for differences

• The following will not be tolerated in interactions with children or adults:

• Yelling
• Threatening
• Belittling comments
• Humiliation
• Favoring one student over another
• Sarcasm

• Staff members are expected to model and exhibit the following behaviors to support the mission and goals of the school:

• Positive Problem Solving
• Team Player – collaborative and supportive of one another
• Open minded
• Responsible and accountable for actions and outcomes

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma required

College degree preferred, PA Elementary Education degree preferred.

This position qualifies for PSERS (teachers' retirement)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.45 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Erie, PA 16505 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Erie, PA 16505: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17