2024-2025 Prekindergarten Classroom Assistant - Diocese of Austin Catholic Schools

Why we are the right fit for you

St. Theresa Catholic School is a beautiful 22-acre campus in the heart of Austin, Texas. We have a team of dedicated teachers and an amazingly generous parent community. With a commitment to academic excellence, our students seek knowledge and are eager learners. The Prekindergarten Classroom Assistant fulfills the mission of St. Theresa Catholic School skillfully nurtures and facilitates the spiritual, emotional, academic, social development of our students. The position is hired and evaluated by the Principal.

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools. To fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ's mission and entrusting them to their various responsibilities.

Top candidates will have

• Passion to make a difference in the lives of prekindergarten children.
• Patience in lovingly meeting young learners' spiritual, academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs.
• Creativity to make learning both fun and meaningful.
• Flexibility to handle the educational, logistical, and interpersonal challenges of working in a team.
• Dedication to your profession and a desire to continually improve.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

• None required.

Certifications and Training:

• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.
• Must meet the minimum requirements for the teaching field as set forth by the Diocese and TCCB ED.
• Must meet staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese and school administration.
• Must complete Religion Certification Part 1 within two years of the date of hire, completing a minimum of 25 hours each year.

Essential Duties

• Support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Support and adhere to the Standards of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school.
• Monitors and assists individual students in small instructional groups to support learning activities.
• Supervises students at lunch, recess, and in routine movement.
• Performs clerical tasks and prepares instructional materials and bulletin boards as indicated by the classroom teacher.
• Collaborates with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of child development, learning, and behavior.
• Knowledge of subjects taught, instructional methods and strategies, and curriculum differentiation.
• Skill in critical thinking and planning.
• Skill in using job-appropriate technology.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process.
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format.
• Skill in demonstrating professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
• Skill in collaborating with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning.
• Ability to respond to individual learning needs.
• Ability to manage student behavior in the classroom setting.
• Ability to work well with others in the school community.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.
• Ability to demonstrate gains in student performance that are in keeping with school goals.
• Ability to conference with parents upon request and respond to messages in a timely manner.

Working Conditions

• All employees of the school are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the principal in the exercise of the principal's ministry and obligations to the school.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• Will be required to work in multiple educational settings.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the school are tobacco-free.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• May be required to use personal or school vehicles to drive to off-site locations.
• Must maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to students, parents, colleagues, and administration.
• Traveling within and outside the school to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Christian prayer and Catholic liturgical celebrations. Staff meetings and other functions may open and close with Christian prayer.

Physical Demands

• Required to lift or carry supplies, textbooks, furniture, or equipment.
• Required to sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, grab, pull, hear, see, and speak daily.
• Required to perform repetitive physical tasks such as computer keyboarding, writing, and reading.
• Required to monitor students in various locations, including those with noise, activity, and inclement weather.