Preschool Teacher Assistant (Downtown)

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Early Education Principal, the Teacher Assistant will come alongside the Lead Teacher and present a Biblical worldview and an excellent educational experience. This spirit of excellence and Biblical centric teaching will be demonstrated through age-appropriate lesson plans, implementation of programs, and classroom environments. As a Christian Educator, the Teacher Assistant will seek to strengthen the foundation for learning that will develop Christ-like character in students from varied backgrounds for a lifetime of learning and service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Attends in-service training, faculty prayer meetings, grade level meetings, faculty meetings, schoolwide functions, and parent meetings as required
• Assist in maintaining a student portfolio to highlight progress over the course of the school year
• Assist in the general safety of the classroom environment as well as the outdoor play areas
• Assists children with personal care activities to include toileting, feeding, and cleanliness needs
• Assist in maintaining an orderly classroom environment that will foster the learning process
• Help to manage effective centers that will be engaging and foster the learning process
• Assist in maintaining accurate and current attendance records
• Willingness to adhere to established school policies and procedures
• Performs other related duties as assigned by lead teacher and/or Principal
• Assists in safely taking students to related arts classes

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR EMPLOYMENT AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN ACADEMY:

• A committed follower of Jesus Christ who loves children and desires to see them walk in the truth
• Passionate about living out his/her calling through the Christian education of our students
• Eager to serve in a Christian learning environment, modeling Christlikeness through his/her diligence, perseverance, resilience, patience, courage, and Christian discipleship
• In agreement with the Statement of Faith and Personal Lifestyle Statement as found on the First Presbyterian Academy website (www.firstpresacademy.com) page
• Devoted to personal and professional excellence and is willing to pursue professional development opportunities that facilitate growth
• A member in good standing at a local, evangelical church.
• Committed to the goal of giving a good report with regards to the school and community and determined to live out the biblical principles of reconciliation spelled out in Matthew 18 when disagreement arises. QUALIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:
• Committed to maintaining the appropriate degree of confidentiality and professionalism
• Supportive of the whole FPA community and works collaboratively in team-oriented environments with parents, students, fellow teachers, and administrators.
• Basic understanding of technology platforms like Word, Excel, and Gmail is preferable
• Ability to work as a part of a team
• Demonstrates good oral communication skills and written communication skills
• Ability to be respectful, friendly, nurturing, and attentive to others

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university is preferred, but not mandatory
• Maintain 15 hours of continuing education through CCEI each year per DSS guidelines
• Maintains CPR and First Aid certification according to DSS requirements
• Previous experience in a church or Christian school and/or training in a Biblical worldview is preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to meet physical requirements of the position for purposes of safety.
• Must be able to evacuate students over uneven terrain and in varying weather conditions during emergency situations.
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds at a time
• Ability to sit, bend, stand, as needed in interactions with students.
• Must be able to hear and communicate effectively in order to exchange information, respond to inquiries, and provide clear instructions in person, over the phone, and through other communication methods.
• Must be able to walk throughout the campus effectively and independently.
• Must be able to see and read English text to perform essential job functions.
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Must possess manual dexterity for using a computer and other office equipment.