The Elementary Teaching Assistant works closely with assigned homeroom teachers to support the goals of the class as well as individual students in their social, emotional and academic growth.. PKS offers a two-year training and professional development program for teaching assistants with the goal of preparing them to step into a homeroom teacher role. This is a full-time, non-exempt position working 40 hours Monday to Friday, and reports to the Head of Elementary.

Responsibilities

• Interact with children using positive, supportive, respectful, and open-minded attitude, language and tone.
• Maintain visual and auditory supervision of children at all times to ensure their safety in the classroom, on the playground, and on field trips.
• Encourage children to develop friendships through play, language, games, and activities.
• Support children to build critical and creative thinking skills through inquiry, observation, and experimentation.
• Work with the team to create daily open-ended activities which encourage questioning, problem solving, language, creativity, and concept forming in young children.
• Support children’s social and emotional growth.
• Support early care and dismissal activities. 
• Participate in reflection and coaching activities.
• Performs other duties as directed.

Skills & Qualifications

• Joy in working with children and assisting their progress.
• Desire to learn, collaborate, and grow both on a team and individually.
• Bachelor’s Degree in education or a related field, or in the process of obtaining preferred.
• At least 6 months teaching experience is desirable.
• Contagious enthusiasm and charisma, the ability to engage and inspire students, parents, and colleagues.
• Fluent in Mandarin and English.
• Knowledge of Progressive Education preferred.
• Strong knowledge of child development and a passion to grow in the field.
• A commitment to reflective practice, and an openness to continual professional development.
• Contagious enthusiasm and charisma; the ability to engage and inspire students, parents, and colleagues.
• Creativity, excellent multitasking skills, and ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial start-up environment.
• Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Please apply if you. . .

• Have a passion and interest in elementary teaching
• Enjoy contributing to student and community life inside and outside the classroom. PKS is a community, and our close relationships build a solid foundation for our kids.
• Work towards social justice and support multicultural education. As a progressive school, we are growing engaged global citizens equipped with empathy, compassion and practices that position them to thrive in a diverse society.
• Love collaboration, iteration, and innovation.
• Enjoy guiding and supporting students as they grow.
• Are ready to roll up your sleeves and join a team that will do whatever it takes to support students as they learn, grow, and thrive.