Lower School Teaching Assistant

About the Employer Established in 1975 by several families in Sierra Madre to continue in the spirit of the School of the Ascension, The Gooden School serves a diverse student body of approximately 175 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The academic program includes instruction in the core subjects and students receive instruction in two foreign languages - Spanish and Latin. The Gooden School also enjoys a strong reputation for its arts and music program. All students participate in instrumental and visual arts instruction each week, and they also take part in drama productions. Since its founding, The Gooden School has stayed true to its purpose of providing a college-prep education where students are challenged and encouraged in an environment of inquiry and respect. Job Summary Job Summary The Lower School Assistant Teacher is charged with facilitating the work of the Lead Teacher and collaborating with the Lead Teacher to deliver the strongest education and experience possible for the students in the classroom. Though the Assistant Teacher's role is in essence a support role, it is important to note that the role is integral to ensuring the quality of a Gooden education. The Assistant will be charged with a range of tasks at the discretion of the Lead Teacher, with major areas of responsibility covering teaching small groups, collecting data and performing assessments, individualizing instruction, re-teaching as needed, substituting for the Lead Teacher in his or her absence, facilitating a positive classroom community, facilitating positive behavior management, counseling with students as daily issues related to social/behavioral/emotional situations arise, and helping to facilitate classroom routines and non-academic periods of the day. It is expected and necessary that the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher are a positive and cohesive team. Though the Lead Teacher has ultimate responsibility regarding the classroom and students, the Assistant Teacher is expected to be a meaningful contributor to the classroom. He or she should work to establish a strong rapport and a sense of authority with the students. It is important that the Assistant Teacher defers to the Lead Teacher in the area of parent interactions. The Assistant Teacher prepares for and leads small group activities as guided by the Lead Teacher. Rationale, materials, intensity/delivery of instruction, learning targets, schedules, and expectations for positive outcomes will be discussed by the Lead Teacher. The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in completing all academic and observational assessments. Training will be provided early in the school year so that all Assistants feel comfortable and competent within Gooden's system and community. Additionally, Lead Teach Requirements / Qualifications Requirements / Qualifications Classroom teaching experience, especially at the Lower School level
• Natural rapport with children and strong classroom management skills
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion
• Culturally competent, responsive, and sensitive to diverse populations
• Strong time management and organizational skills Desired Qualifications
• Experience with project-based learning and interdisciplinary teaching
• A growth mindset and flexibility to adapt Required Documents
• Cover Letter
• Resume HOW TO APPLY Please submit a cover letter and resume electronically to , Attention: Laurie Tortell. No phone calls, please. Requirements / Qualifications Classroom teaching experience, especially at the Lower School level
• Natural rapport with children and strong classroom management skills
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion
• Culturally competent, responsive, and sensitive to diverse populations
• Strong time management and organizational skills Desired Qualifications
• Experience with project-based learning and interdisciplinary teaching
• A growth mindset and flexibility to adapt Required Documents
• Cover Letter
• Resume HOW TO APPLY Please submit a cover letter and resume electronically to , Attention: Laurie Tortell. No phone calls, please. Comments and Other Information The Gooden School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best available person in every job. School policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy and breastfeeding, age, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, military and veteran status, and physical or mental disability, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. As required by federal law, all offers of employment are contingent on verification of an applicant or employee's authorization for lawful employment in the United States at the start of their employment. Please note, the school does not sponsor applicants for employment-related visas.