Montessori Classroom Aide (St. Louis Catholic School - Austin, Texas)

Job Summary 

A Montessori Classroom Assistant compassionately supports and aids the children in their spiritual, physical, moral, social and mental development.  As an integral part of the prepared environment, the classroom assistant assists the Montessori Guide to prepare instructional materials, assists with students, and supports learning activities that have been defined by the Guide. The position is hired and evaluated by the principal.

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools. In order to fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ's mission and entrusting to them various responsibilities.

Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the School leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the School leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

 Essential Duties

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Standards of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school
• Assists the Montessori Guide in the plan and implementation of the Montessori Curriculum
• Performs clerical tasks, prepares instructional materials and bulletin boards as indicated by the Montessori Guide
• Monitors and assists individual students in small instructional groups to support learning activities
• Assist the Montessori Guide with positive, consistent discipline in the management of the classroom
• Supervises students at lunch, recess, school events, Mass, and in routine movement
• Assists the Montessori Guide with maintaining a neat, clean, well-organized, and attractive prepared environment consistent with Montessori pedagogy
• Communicates with the Montessori Guide about any problems or concerns
• Maintains current and accurate records according to school policies
• Collaborates with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning
• Participates in professional development activities designated by the principal, which may include Montessori workshops, curriculum meetings, and planning for the Montessori program

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church 
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously 
• Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in job appropriate technology 
• Skill in critical thinking and planning

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Experience:

• None required

Certifications and Training:

• Sufficient training to perform tasks assigned by the principal
• Valid Texas Drivers License
• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 30 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.