Employment Type: Full-time, Benefits Eligible
Months Worked Per School Year: 10
Work Days/Hours: M-F, 8am-4pm, occasional after-school work for school meetings or special events
Start Date: August 2024
JOB SUMMARY
Paideia is an independent pre K-12 college preparatory school in the Emory University area of Atlanta. The half day program consists of separate morning and afternoon classes for children 3, 4, and 5 years old. The morning class is from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m., and the afternoon class is from 11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each group has its own team of teachers and teaching aides. Teachers in the half day classes promote social, emotional and intellectual growth through a rich environment emphasizing exploration, imagination, interaction, and communication.
To learn more about Paideia’s Half Day program, please visit https://www.paideiaschool.org/academics/half-day.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Each class is staffed by a lead teacher, two assistant teachers and an Art teacher. The teachers are experts in child development and skilled at making fine-tuned observations of individual differences in children and in designing experiences that promote each child's development. Our belief is that play in childhood forms the foundation upon which learning is based. Teachers are actively engaged with children throughout the day - building on the floor, reading, painting, or being part of an elaborate pretend play drama. Teaching assistants are expected to actively engage with children throughout the day, both in the classroom and outside on the playground.
The ongoing goals are to foster language and communication, expansion of ideas, connections with other children, and problem solving. Much of the time is spent in spontaneous play and interaction. In semi-structured activities we create situations in which children are motivated to learn the skills we are trying to teach.
The half-day program is intentionally designed to foster certain qualities, attitudes, and skills; we want our children:
- to love to come to school;
- to feel safe, happy, and valued;
- to feel secure enough to take risks because that's how growth and learning happen;
- to love learning;
- to enjoy using their minds and bodies to acquire skills, solve problems, and meet challenges;
- to take initiative and responsibility;
- to learn to make constructive choices;
- to develop their own affinities and "passionate preferences;"
- to use the resources of this rich environment to pursue their interests.
As an Assistant Lead, we want to support:
- really listening to the children and paying close attention to what they are doing so that they feel known and appreciated for who they are;
- helping the children celebrate what they can do right now and expanding their skills, knowledge, and understanding;
- joining children in what they are doing and stretching them a little to try something they might be ready for or challenge their thinking in appropriate ways.
Other duties as assigned in support of Paideia’s mission to provide the best educational experience for the school’s students, families, and community.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Important personal qualities include a love and understanding of children and early childhood; a knowledge, understanding, and successful exhibition of learning strategies to support all students in learning; the ability to work collaboratively as a part of a team; and the ability to create a positive, nurturing environment for the student; a desire to participate in the life of the Paideia community.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
We are looking for someone with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience working in schools with 3 - 5 year olds strongly preferred, and a commitment to a play-based curriculum. A BA is required, early elementary education is preferred.
APPLICATION NOTES
Salary is commensurate with education and experience. A benefits package is offered for benefits-eligible positions. The Paideia School is an equal opportunity employer.
Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references via our online application.
For more information about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, our focus on both social and emotional learning with rigorous academic offerings and opportunities for extra curricular learning, please visit our website at www.paideiaschool.org.
Job Type: Full-time
Grade levels:
Schedule:
- After school
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
School type:
Work Location: In person