8th Grade Teacher Assistant

Choice-Schools-Associates; Norton Shores (MI); On-site; USD 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Muskegon Montessori Academy for Environmental Change is seeking an Instructional Aide to support teachers and students in an inclusive classroom. The role emphasizes individualized attention and reinforcing concepts to promote student engagement and growth.

You will assist with instructional activities, help maintain records, and contribute to a positive and enriching educational experience for all students, under the guidance of the principal and Choice Schools Associates.

Qualifications

• Two years of higher education or an associate's degree is required.
• Ability to assist in reading, writing and mathematics instruction.
• Knowledge of and ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
• Professional communication with students, staff and guardians in a respectful manner.
• Excellent verbal and written expression and exemplary work habits.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and distribute lesson materials with the classroom teacher.
• Instruct students under the supervision of the classroom teacher.
• Maintain individual student records when asked.
• Keep the classroom neat, clean and orderly to support learning.
• Use resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy and the community.
• Demonstrate effective classroom techniques and foster mutual respect and independent thought.
• Collaborate with parents and guardians to build confidence in the classroom.
• Guide children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
• Cary out duties assigned by the principal and Choice Schools Associates.

Skills

Love for children

Patience

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Education

Two years of college (60 semester hours) or equivalent

Associate's degree or higher

ETS Parapro Assessment

Job description

At Muskegon Montessori Academy for Environmental Change (MMAEC), we do education differently! Learning may begin in the classroom, but our students move from desks to dirt, planting seeds in soil, and tending to our gardens. Science and nature guide children at MMAEC to experience learning. We implement the Montessori Method to allow each child to empower and educate themselves to understand their own learning patterns. MMAEC knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Success Candidate:

• A genuine love for working with children and a strong commitment to their holistic development. They should prioritize the child's individuality, independence, and self-directed learning, fostering an environment that supports these values.
• The ability to guide children through their learning journey with patience, allowing them to explore and make discoveries at their own pace. They should also be flexible in adjusting their teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each child.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

About the role

To provide dedicated support to teachers and students in the classroom, assisting with various instructional activities and creating an inclusive learning environment. The Instructional Aide aims to facilitate student engagement and comprehension by offering individualized attention and reinforcing lesson concepts. Through collaboration with educators, the Instructional Aide seeks to contribute to the overall academic growth and success of students, promoting a positive and enriching educational experience for all.

What you'll do

• Helps the classroom teacher prepare and distribute lesson materials.
• Instructs students under supervision of the classroom teacher.
• Assists the classroom teacher in maintaining individual student records when asked.
• Assists the classroom teacher in keeping the classroom neat, clean and orderly to provide work and study areas conducive to learning.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy and the community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning, clarity of assignments, communicating an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and expression and student and classroom teacher experiences in large and small groups.
• Works cooperatively with parents' and generates guardians' confidence in the classroom teacher.
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the Academy.
• Carries out other duties assigned by the principal and/or Choice Schools Associates.

Qualifications

• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or obtain an associate's degree (or higher); or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment or successfully pass the ETS Parapro Assessment
• Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or
• Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
Ability to communicate with students, staff and guardians in a professional manner.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Exemplary work habits verified by previous employers.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or valid state of Michigan Teaching Certificate.
• Knowledge of and skills working with at‑risk students.
• Experience in an educational setting with school‑age children.

About Choice Schools Associates

Muskegon Montessori for Environmental Change is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student‑centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, Muskegon Montessori for Environmental Change is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight‑knit community school in your area.