Lower School Mandarin Teaching Assistant

International School of Indiana, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

The International School of Indiana is seeking a part-time teaching assistant for the 2026–2027 school year. You will support the lead teacher in a classroom aligned with the Primary Years Programme, focusing on child-centered, play-based learning.

English fluency is essential, with Mandarin understanding a plus. You will help with classroom transitions, supervision during recess, and documentation of learning using Seesaw, while fostering social-emotional development and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Fluent in English; Mandarin understanding is an advantage.
• Open-minded and able to communicate with diverse populations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork.
• Up-to-date on safeguarding best practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist lead teacher in arranging classroom and maintaining tidiness.
• Support young children with transitions and daily routines.
• Supervise recess and after-school duties.
• Support circle time and instructional activities.
• Help children develop self-management skills (e.g., prep for recess, hometime).
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Participate in school activities and celebrations.
• Assist with morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.
• Work with small groups as directed by lead teacher.
• Document student learning using Seesaw.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Fluent in English

Cross-cultural communication

Strong interpersonal skills

Open-minded

Team collaboration

Humor and positive outlook

Safeguarding knowledge

Mandarin understanding (advantage)

Tools

Seesaw

Job description

Overview

Employees at The International School of Indiana work in a multicultural environment with families, teachers and staff from around the world. Teachers and assistants work with a highly collaborative team of grade level colleagues, coordinators and specialists to implement a rigorous Primary Years Programme that is engaging and student-centered.

The teaching assistant supports the lead teacher in the classroom. The assistant is responsible for the transition of students to and from the classroom, supervising recess and lunch, and helping with any activities in the classroom and collaboratively supporting the social and emotional development of children in their care.

This is a temporary position for Semester 1 (September 2026 - January 2027).

Responsibilities

• Responsible for helping the lead teacher arrange classroom and keep it tidy
• Assisting young children in going to the bathroom
• Supervise recess/ break/ after school duties
• Support circle time and other instructional activities
• Supporting children with developing self-management skills (i.e. getting ready for recess, hometime etc.)
• Participates fully in staff meetings and staff trainings
• Participates in school activities and celebrations
• Assisting with morning arrival and afternoon dismissal
• Works with students in a small group setting as directed by lead teacher
• Supporting in documenting student learning through Seesaw (digital portfolio)

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications, skills, and experience:

• Experience with the Primary Years Programme, play-based and/or early childhood education (Montessori, Reggio, etc.)
• Proficiency / Fluent in English / understanding of Mandarin an advantage
• Open-minded
• An ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Sense of humor and positive outlook
• Up to date on best practices in working with children and safeguarding
• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field