One-on-One Paraprofessional (Full-time)

foundersgroveclassicalacademy; Midland (MI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Founders Grove Classical Academy seeks a dedicated teacher assistant to support the lead teacher in creating a positive learning environment for kindergarten through 5th grade. The role includes preparing materials, assisting with instruction, and maintaining records under supervision.

The position emphasizes respectful, inclusive classroom practices and collaboration with families to promote student success and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Two years of college or higher; associate degree or equivalent.
• Strong work habits verified by previous employers.
• Ability to assist in reading, writing and mathematics instruction.

Responsibilities

• Assist lead teacher in preparing classrooms and instructional materials.
• Instruct students under supervision and maintain student records.
• Support classroom management and foster an inclusive, respectful learning environment.
• Collaborate with parents/guardians and contribute to policy and instructional discussions.
• Help market the Academy within the community.

Skills

Classroom support

Communication with staff/guardians

Instructional assistance (reading/wri…

Interpersonal skills

Education

60 semester hours

Associate’s degree

State/local academic assessment standard

Job description

About the Academy

Founders Grove Classical Academy is a tuition-free public school that educates students through a virtues-based tradition of American classical education. The classical curriculum is time-tested, research-based, and proven to develop children into thoughtful, caring, educated, and freethinking young adults. The program emphasizes education in the humanities, sciences, and arts, while integrating Latin to promote deeper learning.

Founded by dedicated families and community leaders, Founders Grove partners with parents in the moral and intellectual development of students. We believe education should nourish both the mind and the soul, preparing students for academic success while cultivating a lifelong love of learning and inspiring a sense of wonder.

Founders Grove will enroll students in kindergarten through 5th grade for the 2026-27 school year. We are seeking a mission-aligned leader to join us ahead of the school's opening to help build its culture, systems, and instructional team from the ground up.

About the role

To provide essential support and assistance to the lead teacher in creating a positive and effective learning environment for students. They strive to reinforce classroom instruction, offering one-on-one attention to students to help them grasp concepts and complete assignments. The teacher assistant aids in classroom management, ensuring a smooth flow of daily activities and fostering a respectful and inclusive atmosphere..

What you'll do

Curriculum and Instruction

• Assists the classroom Teacher in preparing the classroom or laboratory for instruction.
• 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.

Classroom Management

• Works cooperatively with parents and generates guardians’ confidence in the classroom Teacher.
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
• Demonstrates genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal and student expectations.
• Promotes responsible citizenship through actions as a role model.
• Provides a classroom atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair and consistent practices, respect for individual children and development of responsible citizenship.

Student Enrollment and Retention

• Shares responsibility for marketing the Academy in the community.

Professional Development and Leadership

• Participates in the development of policies and regulations that affect instruction and conditions of success.
• Shares responsibility for professional, cooperative staff relations and out-of-class activities important to the operation of the Academy.
• Conducts himself or herself according to professional, ethical principles.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the Academy.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the School Leader.

Facilities

• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• 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:
• Exemplary work habits verified by previous employers.

Desired Qualifications:

• Valid State of Michigan Teaching Certificate.
• Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics.
• Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
• Knowledge of and skills working with students of all backgrounds.
• Experience in an educational setting with school-age children.
• Ability to communicate with students, staff and guardians in a professional manner.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

About Choice Schools Associates

Founders Grove Classical Academy 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 Classical Model, Founders Grove is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding classical schools within the state. The Classical Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.