Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

Newton Public Schools; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Newton Public Schools at Cabot Elementary School in Newton, MA seeks a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant to assist the classroom teacher in delivering instructional activities and supervising students.

The role emphasizes supporting students with diverse needs, modeling pro-social behavior, and maintaining a respectful, organized learning environment. Immediate start with standard school-year schedule and on-site work.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required or preferred depending on program
• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred for advancement
• Teaching certificate preferred
• Experience in elementary public schools is advantageous

Responsibilities

• Execute instructional activities with individuals or small groups under teacher direction
• Assist with and support instruction in general and special education settings
• Help implement positive behavior support plans
• Model appropriate interactions and assist with daily student routines
• Supervise students during activities and transitions
• Assist students leaving/entering transportation and during drills
• Maintain confidentiality and professional conduct at all times

Skills

Patience

Communication

Team collaboration

Classroom management

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree strongly preferred

Teacher certificate preferred

Elementary instructional experience preferred

Tools

Educational software familiarity

Job description

Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

Newton Public Schools Cabot Elementary School - Newton, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5909240

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 31, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Department: Elementary Education

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt) : Exempt; Unit C – Category 1

Reports to: School Principal

In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism anda nondiscrimination policyfor students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual's qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY: The Kindergarten Teaching Assistant works under the guidance and alongside the classroom teacher and assists in the instruction and supervision of students, assisting the teacher in achieving educational objectives by working with individual students or small groups, assisting students by modeling the necessary skills to perform academic, social, and behavioral tasks, modeling appropriate behaviors and interactions with students and staff. The teaching assistant supports the teacher in providing a well-organized, smoothly functioning class environment that is culturally proficient and responsive to each student’s diverse needs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma and college level courses in early child development, special education, or education
• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
• Teaching certificate preferred
• Instructional experience in elementary public school setting preferred

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of effective teaching assistant principles, practices and trends
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with supervising teacher, students, staff, families and school community
• Ability to perform essential job duties at a high level
• Ability to work on multiple tasks and prioritize appropriately
• Ability to recognize areas of concern relating to student issues and propose or recommend appropriate solutions to problems
• Ability to communicate effectively

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To)

Essential Functions:

• Executes instructional activities with individual students or small groups of students following teacher direction and demonstration
• Provides assistance to students during special classes (art, music, etc.), as needed
• Assists general education and special education students
• Assists with and implements positive behavior support plans designed by teacher and/or other school personnel
• Assists and monitors student use of instructional and other equipment
• Serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of the classroom teachers
• Assists students leaving and entering transportation vehicles, accompanies students to and from classrooms
• Assists with supervision of students during emergency drills
• Assists students with activities of daily living such as eating, grooming, bathing, and hygiene related to toileting
• Observes and intervenes to redirect inappropriate behavior
• Assists, monitors, and guides the student to focus on learning, participate in activities, and complete tasks
• Models conversation, manners, clean-up activities, listening, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate pro-social skills in a culturally responsive manner
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations as assigned for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions
• May be expected to provide substitute educator services
• May be expected to attend trainings related to position
• Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
• Responsible for implementing "other job-related duties" as needed

Physical Requirements

Work Environment:

• Majority of work is performed in a school/classroom environment. The noise level in the environment is usually moderate.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the teaching assistant is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear. The teaching assistant is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch and/or kneel.
• The teaching assistant is occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to assist with student behavioral needs as necessary, including responding to students who are physically unsafe, using physical restraints as part of a de-escalation process, and moving furniture in response to a crisis situation.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Eric Sprung , Principal
• Cabot Elementary School
• Email: [e-mail]