Lead Assistant Teacher, Elementary

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

ABOUT THE EARLY LEARNING COMMUNITY:

The Early Learning Community (ELC) is a vibrant, joyful place where over 100 children engage in rich, hands-on learning activities from preschool through 4th grade. We believe that giving children access to beautiful classrooms, inspiring curriculum, and expert teachers allows them to thrive in school and develop a lifelong love of learning. We work hard to know each and every child as an individual while also building a deep sense of community and belonging. As a demonstration school, we are responsible not only for teaching our students but also for helping to prepare the next generation of educators by serving as a practicum site for Pacific undergraduate and graduate students as well as high school volunteers.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Classrooms in the elementary grades at the ELC are blended, meaning that two grade levels are combined so that students have the chance to dig deeply into topics over the course of two years, to work at their level regardless of calendar age, and to practice leading the younger students. In order to provide individualized support for 20-24 students, we have two adults guiding the group - a Lead Teacher who plans and facilitates the curriculum and an Assistant Teacher who provides vital support to ensure that all children's needs are met. The Assistant Teacher also leads the delivery of a high quality aftercare program for a cohort of elementary students and collaborates with all staff on all-school programs and events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead 10-15 children in scripted 30 minute literacy and/or math lessons

• Independently and safely supervise the full group of 20-24 students during outdoor recess time and lunch

• Lead the group to safely and efficiently transition between spaces, keeping students within sight at all times

• Maintain agreed upon behavioral expectations and classroom/outdoor space rules with a focus on teaching students the social-emotional skills needed to do better next time instead of just punishing them for mistakes

• During lunch time, engage students in read-alouds, lunch time chats, and/or show & tell circles as appropriate

• Assist the Lead Teacher in delivering the curriculum to the whole group of students

• Help to prepare and distribute materials for the lesson

• Independently identify and respond to classroom needs during the lesson so that the Lead Teacher can stay focused on the group as a whole

• Work with individual students and small groups of up to 15 students on assigned classwork and learning assessments as needed

• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to monitor student progress and effectively implement curricula

• After gaining experience in the classroom, take over the classroom in the Lead Teacher's absence, typically with the support of a substitute teacher filling in for the Assistant Teacher role

• Plan and implement the elementary aftercare program, in partnership with the other Elementary Aftercare Teachers

• Plan and implement activities for the roughly 2 hours of care, providing opportunities for snack, outdoor play, creative exploration, and time to complete school work (as needed)

• Follow licensing regulations and guidelines related to teacher/child ratio, sign in/out, supervision requirements, and health/sanitation procedures reviewed during orientation and initial training

• Collaborate with other elementary aftercare staff and any university student workers present during this time to maximize student engagement and support

• Maintain a healthy and attractive classroom space

• Tidy up throughout the day, including students in these efforts, and sanitize tables for meals

• Perform additional tasks as needed such as putting up chairs, retrieving and folding completed laundry, and running dishes through the sanitizer at the end of the day

• Contribute to a welcoming, positive school environment that is a great place to learn and to teach

• Interact with students in a manner that is warm and engaging yet still clear and firm

• Ensure families, visitors, and volunteers feel welcome in the classroom

• Ask questions, share ideas, and implement feedback from the Lead Teacher

• Communicate appreciations, questions, and challenges to other colleagues and the Head of School

• From time to time and as able, demonstrate an openness and flexibility to take on additional duties or shift hours slightly as needed for the smooth operation of school and well-being of the children

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.