[2026-2027] TK Mandarin Instructional Assistant

Yu Ming Charter School; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Yu Ming Charter School seeks a dynamic Transitional Kindergarten Mandarin Instructional Assistant to join a mission-driven team in Oakland, CA. The role supports classroom teachers, fosters bilingual development, and contributes to a learner-centered, project-based environment.

Responsibilities include assisting in instruction, preparing materials, and tracking student progress while upholding confidentiality and professional standards.

Qualifications

• Native or near native fluency in Mandarin Chinese.
• Professional proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Instruct individuals, small groups or classes of students within certificated teacher guidelines.
• May prepare lesson plans, materials for lessons, and assess student progress.
• Document student progress/activities/outcomes and provide regular feedback to student(s), classroom teachers, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.
• May work with students to reinforce learning of material or skills as described in an Individualized Education Plan.
• Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of the individual student's needs, interests, and abilities.
• During the Extended Care After School Program, plan and independently lead engaging and age-appropriate activities that promote learning, social interaction, and skill development.
• Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about the student as is expected of fully licensed teachers.

Job description

Transitional Kindergarten Mandarin Instructional Assistant

Yu Ming Charter School seeks dynamic, innovative, and experienced educators to join our team, committed to nurturing lifelong learners who are bilingual, bicultural and able to create change in their own lives and in our community. We seek teachers that are excited by the possibility of transforming the traditional model of education to be learner-centered through personalized and project based learning that cultivates both the cognitive and social emotional skills our students need to thrive in school and beyond. Yu Ming teachers are leaders that thrive on exploration, collaboration, and seek to continuously learn and grow as individuals and team members.

Yu Ming Charter School is a non-profit, tuition-free network of public schools located in Oakland and San Leandro and open to all residents of California. As a leader in Mandarin Immersion education, our mission is to nurture our inclusive and diverse community to become empowered, engaged, and outstanding global citizens. We currently serve 1060 students across three campuses, and continue to grow our enrollment each year. Our intentionally diverse student body comes from many racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds representing 70 zip codes across the Bay Area and 29 home languages. Founded in 2011, Yu Ming is the first Mandarin immersion public charter school in the state.

We believe every child, regardless of their background or zip code, deserves a free, high-quality education that prepares them today to succeed tomorrow. Ranked the #7 Elementary School and the #2 Elementary Charter School in California by U.S. News, Yu Ming is a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a 2020 and 2023 California Distinguished School. Yu Ming’s future-forward model prepares young people to succeed and thrive in an interconnected and multicultural world through personalized and rigorous learning experiences, active student agency, whole child and community focus, and multilingual education. As a result, our students far outperform their peers in the district, county, and state, regardless of socio-economic status, race, language background, and learning differences. We are closing the opportunity gap for our historically underserved students every day. To learn more about our innovative school visit our website www.yumingschool.org.

Position Overview

Mandarin Instructional Assistants report to the Assistant Principal and will be responsible for assisting in the classroom while fostering the social and emotional growth of students.

Core Competencies

• Ability to organize data, schedules, and information collected and/or submitted by teachers.
• An aptitude to work with children and teachers; warmth, empathy and the desire to become involved in the instructional process.
• Flexibility and adaptability to change; ability to work in a dynamic, creative and start-up learning environment.
• Superb interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of students, colleagues and families.
• Ability to follow instructions and accept constructive suggestions and professional standards.
• Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and a solutions-oriented attitude.

Core Responsibilities

• Instruct individuals, small groups or classes of students within certificated teacher guidelines
• May prepare lesson plans, materials for lessons, and assess student progress
• Document student progress/activities/outcomes and provide regular feedback to student(s), classroom teachers, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.
• May work with students to reinforce learning of material or skills as described in an Individualized Education Plan.
• Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of the individual student's needs, interests, and abilities.
• During the Extended Care After School Program, plan and independently lead engaging and age-appropriate activities that promote learning, social interaction, and skill development.
• Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about the student as is expected of fully licensed teachers.

• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with school personnel, parents, and other service providers for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes, developing solutions and planning curriculum.
• Other duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Native or near native fluency in Mandarin Chinese.
• Professional proficiency in English.

Preferred

• Experience as a classroom aide and/or coursework in Education/Special Education preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

TIME COMMITMENT

180-day school year, 8 student-free professional development days for collaboration with colleagues. Common building hours are 8:00am-4:00pm.

COMPENSATION

$26-29 per hour plus benefits, commensurate with experience.

Yu Ming Charter School is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity at all levels.