Lower School Teacher Assistant

Lower School Teacher Assistant

University School of Nashville is currently accepting applications for Lower School Teacher Assistants for theschool year. These positions offer a unique opportunity to be part of a classroom throughout the entire school year helping teachers create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Through guided work in the classroom Teacher Assistants gain a deeper sense of the many responsibilities and joys of the teaching profession. Teacher Assistants take an active part in the life of the school and are integral to helping USN carry out its mission to teach with best practices.

Teacher Assistants are assigned to Lower School classrooms in Kindergarten through Second Grade. They work closely with a lead teacher to support students in the classroom. Duties include assisting with classroom management supporting individual students working with small groups and preparing materials for projects. Additionally Teacher Assistants help with assessing students documenting class activities supporting the daily maintenance of the classroom and helping supervise snack lunch and recess periods.

Qualifications Sought:

We seek talented individuals who want to further their understanding of teaching young children. Priority is given to aspiring teachers who are motivated to further their knowledge about classroom teaching. A Bachelors degree is required. Successful experience working with children in a group setting is preferred.

Candidates should be able to devote 4 5 hours per day between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. MondayFriday from midAugust to the end of May. Exact hours are dependent upon the grade level to which the Teacher Assistant is assigned. The rate of pay for this position is $21.85/hr.

USN has a deep commitment to equitable and inclusive community spaces. Candidates should possess an openness to learning about ways that implicit biases in race ethnicity gender identity and socioeconomic class can shape curricula and pedagogy classroom culture and student outcomes. Candidates should further plan to apply knowledge gained to demonstrable actions that promote equitable and just teaching and learning.

The School

University School of Nashville is an independent nonsectarian coeducational day school with enrollment of 1080 students kindergarten through twelfth grade. In 1915 the George Peabody College for Teachers opened Peabody Demonstration School (PDS) USNs predecessor which earned acclaim for its curriculum and faculty. In 1974 Peabody College announced plans to close PDS and a group of parents alumni students and teachers reconstituted and rechartered the school as University School of Nashville.

USNs midtown location adjacent to Vanderbilt University and its Peabody College for Teachers reminds us each day of our beginnings 110 years ago in the demonstration school culture of innovation and educational best practices. Its a vibrant educational community for both students and teachers in the midst of a dynamic city.

In the USN community students expect much of each other and faculty benefit from that high standard. We seek educators who are enthusiastic about their own learning to complement their teaching and we offer many opportunities for professional growth. USN is committed to creating an institutional environment that mirrors the cultural and ethnic composition of greater Nashville. USN encourages a diverse applicant pool and provides equal employment opportunities for employees and job applicants.

Classroom teachers are expected to work from 7:30 p.m to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday carrying out the duties and responsibilities outlined below. Teachers must have regular and predictable attendance at school; be on time each day; be focused and responsible for independent supervision of a class of 20 or more students; be able to communicate positively and productively with students parents and colleagues; and handle routine administrative duties such as hall and cafeteria duty car pool and dismissal duty (AM and PM) taking attendance filling out reports ordering new materials and cooperating with requests made by the administration.

Responsibilities

• Assist with classroom tasks as directed by the mentor teacher
• Provide support for individual students and small groups
• Prepare materials for lessons and projects
• Assist with student assessments and documentation
• Attend training sessions for professional development
• Work in concert with the mentor teacher to support the academic and socialemotional curricula
• Provide support and supervision during field trips special events cafeteria and playground times
• Serve as a role model for students by exhibiting the qualities essential for a caring cooperative community of learners

• Perform other duties as determined by the Assistant Head of Lower School and in some cases the Head of Lower School or the Director

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelors degree is required
• Successful experience working with children in a group setting is preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Attend to punctuality for all assigned work times
• Maintain a positive and professional demeanor
• Work collaboratively with all faculty and staff members
• Work responsively and supportively with students
• Communicate effectively
• Demonstrate commitment to developing as a teacher
• Demonstrate flexibility with tasks and assignments