Substitute Teacher Assistant - Choice Schools

Substitute Teacher Assistant

2024 - 2025 School Year

At Muskegon Montessori Academy for Environmental Change (MMAEC), we do education differently! Learning may begin in the classroom, but our students move from desks to dirt, planting seeds in soil, and tending to our gardens. Science and nature guide children at MMAEC to experience learning. We implement the Montessori Method to allow each child to empower and educate themselves to understand their own learning patterns. MMAEC knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands-on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.

• 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.

As the Substitute Teacher Assistant, your core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

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.

Job Goal: 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.

Essential Skills and Competencies: While we will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications/experience:

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.

Work Location:2950 McCracken St, Norton Shores, MI 49441

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Choice Schools offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, a competitive 401(K) plan, professional development, and much more. View our benefits options here - https://choiceschools.com/careers/careers-choice-experience/

Please contact Autumn Hernandez via email at autumnhernandez@choiceschools.com with any questions.

Working for Choice Schools Associates

Muskegon Montessori Academy Academy for Environmental Change 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 Environmental Model, Muskegon Montessori is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.

Choice Schools Associates is an equal opportunity employer. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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