French Teaching Assistant

Job Summary: The teaching assistant supports the lead teacher in the classroom. The assistant is responsible for the transition of students to and from the classroom, supervising recess and lunch, and helping with any activities in the classroom and collaboratively supporting the social and emotional development of children in their care.

Supervisory Responsibilities: none

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Responsible for helping the lead teacher arrange classroom and keep it tidy
• Assisting young children in going to the bathroom
• Supervise recess/ break/ after school duties
• Support circle time and other instructional activities
• Supporting children with developing self-management skills (i.e. getting ready for recess, home time etc.)
• Participates fully in staff meetings and staff trainings
• Participates in school activities and celebrations
• Assisting with morning arrival and afternoon dismissal
• Works with students in a small group setting as directed by lead teacher
• Supporting in documenting student learning through Seesaw (digital portfolio)
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:

• First-language speaker of French
• Proficiency / Fluent in English
• Open-minded
• An ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Sense of humor and positive outlook
• Up to date on best practices in working with children and safeguarding

Education and Experience:

• Experience with the Primary Years Programme, play-based and/or early childhood education (Montessori, Reggio, etc.)
• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Physical Demands & Work Activities

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical activities, with varying frequency depending on daily responsibilities:

• Sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged periods
• Moving between classrooms and work areas throughout the day
• Bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, twisting, pushing, and pulling as needed
• Reaching above shoulder height and below knee level
• Climbing stairs
• Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 25 pounds (occasionally more, as required)
• Moving into different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight or confined spaces
• Remaining in a stationary position (standing or sitting) for extended periods

Essential Job Activities

The role regularly involves:

• Moving about to accomplish tasks and transition between worksites or classrooms
• Communicating with students, colleagues, parents, and staff to exchange information
• Repeating motions that may include use of wrists, hands, and fingers (e.g., writing, typing, classroom activities)
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of assigned work

The position does not typically require:

• Operating heavy machinery or power tools
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment

Environmental Conditions

The work environment may include:

• Indoor classroom settings
• Occasional exposure to noisy environments typical of a school setting
• Occasional outdoor exposure and varying temperatures during school activities

No hazardous conditions are expected as part of normal job duties