Teacher Assistant

Description

Job Summary: Assist the teacher in delivering educational support to students within a safe and respectful environment, and foster positive professional relationships. Key Features of the Role: 1. Supporting students in a positive and safe environment 2. Developing students' independent learning skills 3. Maintaining ongoing collaboration with the teacher and school administration **Main Responsibilities** Support the teacher closely to ensure all students benefit from the best possible education and learn and grow in a positive, respectful, and safe environment. Maintain positive, supportive, and professional relationships with the classroom teacher, students, parents, school administration, and contribute positively to the school overall. **Core Tasks** Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, the Teacher Assistant will: * + Support small groups * + Assist with classroom procedures and class-related tasks * + Supervise inside the classroom and throughout the school generally Student support is the most important role of the Teacher Assistant. Tasks may include, but are not limited to: * + Assisting children individually or in small groups to reinforce learning concepts introduced by the teacher and help them complete assignments assigned by the teacher. * + Assisting in implementing instructional programs such as guided reading, guided mathematics, writing groups, and others. * + Helping students develop independent learning skills, manage their own learning, and prioritize their time. **Additional Tasks** * Assist the teacher in preparing the classroom at the beginning and end of the academic year by collecting, counting, and returning resources. * Assist with daily tasks such as book exchanges, collecting materials for projects, supervising students, etc. This does not include entering grades into the gradebook or recording attendance, which must be performed solely by the teacher. * Support teachers in monitoring student performance. Since student performance assessment is the sole responsibility of the teacher, the Teacher Assistant’s support must be carefully considered. * Support the teacher in implementing school-wide behavior management programs and classroom management strategies to ensure a purposeful, safe, and interactive learning environment. * Assist in preparing and using educational equipment and software, ensuring students use them effectively and safely. * Help decorate bulletin boards and other areas of the school throughout the year and during special events. * May be required to attend parent-teacher meetings with the classroom teacher and administrative staff after school hours. * Substitute for the teacher during absences, including classes where no permanent Teacher Assistant is assigned. In such cases, the classroom teacher must provide a lesson plan to the assistant, and lessons should preferably be reviews and applications of previously taught material. Every effort must be made to avoid assigning the Teacher Assistant to lead classes for extended periods. If this occurs, planning and assessment responsibilities must remain with the teacher. * Supervise students in various areas of the school and during school trips as needed. * Maintain ongoing collaboration with the classroom teacher. * Clarify instructions provided by the teacher. * Maintain positive professional relationships with parents and students. * Participate in professional development opportunities (alongside teachers where possible). * Attend staff meetings and participate actively. * Participate in school events and projects. * Communicate ideas and feedback with colleagues and school administration in a professional and constructive manner. * Provide official documentation related to education, training, and certifications to enable the school to meet legal accreditation requirements. **Tasks Not to Be Assigned to or Undertaken by Teacher Assistants** These tasks are the sole responsibility of teachers: * + Conducting student assessments or tests, including grading, entering marks into the gradebook, or recording attendance. * + Communicating with parents regarding students’ academic or behavioral matters. * + Managing or disciplining student behavior independently of the teacher. Students must be referred to counselors or counselor referral forms completed. **Collaboration Between the Teacher and the Teacher Assistant** For the Teacher Assistant to perform effectively, they must be supported in understanding expectations set by the school and teachers, receive training on school programs, policies, and procedures, and be provided opportunities for collaborative work with the classroom teacher. Examples include, but are not limited to: * + Providing guidance relevant to specific tasks assigned to the assistant * + Helping the assistant understand the classroom/school student reward system and clarifying what falls within their authority versus what requires consultation with the teacher * + Providing feedback to the assistant regarding their handling of assigned tasks, including incidents requiring them to address specific behaviors during the teacher’s absence or unavailability, and incidents requiring initiative and problem-solving * + Creating opportunities for the assistant to regularly share observations with the teacher, especially those relating to student behavior * + Providing access to teaching plans, such as email copies containing weekly plans * + Holding weekly collaborative meetings between the teacher and assistant to discuss the week’s matters and plan for the upcoming week, and providing a copy of the meeting minutes to the Assistant Supervisor. **Requirements** * A Bachelor’s degree in a field related to education or English is preferred; minimum requirement is a two-year post-secondary diploma in either of these fields. * Age between 25 and 40 years, with good health. * Minimum of two years of practical experience in a related field, preferably in Qatar. * Ability to work effectively with children and adults in a friendly and cooperative manner. * Ability to carry out responsibilities and tasks accurately, punctually, and with strong attention to detail. * Proactive and positive personality. * Ability to work with minimal supervision. * Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask. * Creativity and ability to think outside the box. * Ability to work safely, create a safe environment, and respond promptly in emergencies to ensure student safety. * Ability to analyze situations and take appropriate action on routine or emergency matters without requiring direction. * Valid residency permit eligible for work authorization. **Benefits** * End-of-service gratuity equivalent to one month’s basic salary for each full year of service. * Basic salary constitutes 70% of the total salary. * Paid annual summer vacation.