Job Description:
PT Teacher Assistant
St. Theresa Catholic School, Trumbull, CT

OVERVIEW:
Under the direction of the school principal, the teacher assistant is responsible for supporting the teacher, the school, and the Diocese of Bridgeport in its mission. The ideal candidate will be dynamic and energetic demonstrating the ability to work with direction while handling and maintaining confidential information and exercising discretion/discernment in handling related office and school matters at all times. The Teacher Assistant is engaged in a school conducted by the Roman Catholic Church for the express purpose of education in the academic, social, moral, and religious values promulgated by the Church.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Recognize and support the unique Catholic mission of the school by speaking, acting, and instructing in a way consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Give evidence of lived Gospel values by being an active member of a faith community and being open to the importance of a personal faith journey; strive to model the teachings of Jesus by attitude and example.
• Acquire ongoing professional knowledge and learn the current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, professional development, etc.
• Assist classroom teacher in maintaining a functional and pleasant learning environment.
• Cooperate with school and diocesan administration; work effectively with all staff members to promote positive relationships with students and parents.
• Always demonstrate professional responsibility in enforcing diocesan and school policies and regulations.
• Arrive to work punctually according to work schedule.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and Diocesan Office Administrators as designated by the Superintendent of Schools.
• Assist teacher in classroom caregiving routines.
• Assist the teacher in maintaining a safe physical environment.
• Assist with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, and indoor or outdoor play.
• Assist with classroom set up, clean up, and materials preparation.
• Assist children at all meals; aiding in maintaining a clean environment for the eating areas.
• Utilize respectful individual and responsive caregiving practices with students.
• Assist the teacher in engaging children in meaningful learning activities and experiences.
• Assist the teacher with implementing health, emergency procedures, and first aid.
• Communicate appropriately with teachers, staff members, parents, and children while referring all parent questions or concerns regarding their child to the classroom teacher.
• Respectfully maintain confidentiality regarding information about students, teachers, staff, and school affairs, ethically and professionally.
• Demonstrate flexibility in performing duties and classroom responsibilities.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities and is not meant to be all-inclusive for every task or responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Practicing Roman Catholic, in good standing
• Good communication skills including written, verbal, and public speaking skills
• Excellent human relations and interpersonal skills; must be a self-starter and team player
• High School Graduate or equivalent is required
• Must be 18 years of age

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrates experience working in a Catholic School
• Earned an Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred

Physical/Mental Requirements: Excellent hearing, good coordination, manual dexterity, normal mental and visual ability; and ability to lift as required in typical office and school building environments.

Required Activities: Walking, sitting, standing, bending, reaching, talking, reading stories, handling books and small containers, good hearing, carrying, wiping chairs and tables, light cleaning and vacuuming of carpet areas, printing letters and names, etc.

Travel Requirements: Travels to school building and professional meetings as required.

Personal Vacation Time: Communicate with the Administration and classroom teacher, at least two weeks before your absence to allow time to cover the scheduled position. (Excludes emergencies)