Teacher Assistant (Part-Time)

Choice Schools Associates; Springfield (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Battle Creek Montessori Academy, part of Choice Schools Associates, seeks a Teacher Assistant to support the lead teacher in delivering Montessori-inspired instruction and foster an inclusive learning environment.

You will provide one-on-one attention, assist with classroom management, and help ensure smooth daily activities while contributing to student growth and community success.

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.
• Exemplary work habits verified by previous employers.

Responsibilities

• Assist the classroom Teacher in preparing the classroom or laboratory for instruction.
• Help the classroom Teacher prepare and distribute lesson materials.
• Instruct students under supervision of the classroom Teacher.
• Assist in maintaining individual student records when asked.
• Aid in keeping the classroom neat, clean and orderly to provide conducive work areas.
• Support learning activities using available resources in the Academy and community.
• Demonstrate effective classroom techniques and foster mutual respect and independent thinking.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Patience and adaptability

Effective communication

Education

Associate degree or higher

Michigan teaching certificate preferred

Job description

About this position

About Our Academy

At Battle Creek Montessori Academy, we celebrate children’s natural desire to learn, encourage them to move at their own pace, and embrace their unique learning style. Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed environments that foster independence, exploration, and a love for learning. Utilizing the Montessori method, our hands‑on, experiential approach, helps students develop a deep understanding of core academic subjects while cultivating essential life skills such as problem‑solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.

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 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. Through their dedication and teamwork, the teacher assistant aims to contribute to the overall success and growth of the students and the educational community.

What you'll do

ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

• 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

Battle Creek Montessori Academy (BCMA) 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 Montessori Model, BCMA is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding Montessori schools within the state. The Montessori Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight‑knit community school in your area.