Lower School Teaching Assistant

The Blake School seeks to hire a Lower School teaching assistant for the 2026-27 school year beginning in August. This role supports students at Blake’s Early Learning Center, working with pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade students. 

The hourly rate for this position begins at $21/hour and increases commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position for the 2026-27 school year. Applications will be reviewed beginning May 11. Blake is particularly interested in candidates who will enrich the diversity of identity, lived experience and thinking that strengthens our community and empowers students to engage across differences.

Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical developmental stages
• Ability to work with children, families and colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Effective written and oral communication skills to engage with colleagues, parents and community members
• Active listener who honors children’s thoughts, feelings and ideas
• Interest in using the outdoors as a rich teaching environment
• Familiarity with or knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach to teaching

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Substitute as lead teacher during any lead teacher absence
• Support full-class, small-group and specialist instruction
• Assist in developing and implementing a progressive, often emergent, curriculum
• Provide supervision and support during recess and before- and after-school programming
• Perform day-to-day duties that support the ongoing classroom operations while maintaining proper adult-student ratios
• Participate in professional development opportunities
• Document student exploration and work
• Participate in and support parent/teacher conferences twice a year

The Blake School is a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school enrolling bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for specific developmental ages. Blake's mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its Commitment to Pluralism and values.

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental, or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success. EOE

Application Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or 
• Minimum of 2 years experience in a PK-5 classroom 
• Additional required trainings/conditions of employment include:
  • DHS background study
  • Yearly health and safety training
  • Yearly child development course(s)
  • CPR certification 
• Presentation of transcripts (officially evaluated if from an international institution)