Montessori Program Classroom Assistant

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.

Job Summary

The Montessori classroom assistant fulfills the mission of the school by assisting the Montessori Guide (classroom teacher) in planning, guiding, and evaluating the learning process of the students in the Catholic school for whom the guide is responsible within the framework of the school’s philosophy, organization, and curriculum. The Montessori classroom assistant helps the teacher prepare instructional materials, assists with students, and supports learning activities that have been defined by the teacher. The position is hired and evaluated by the principal.

The Montessori program at St. Louis Catholic School is an age 3-5 program. SLCS is the only Catholic School in the Diocese of Austin with an integrated Montessori program.

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 Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals
Monitors and assists individual students in small instructional groups to support learning activities
Supervises students at lunch, recess, and in routine movement
Performs clerical tasks, prepares instructional materials and bulletin boards as indicated by the classroom teacher
Meets staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese/local administration
Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students and staff
Maintains current and accurate records according to school policy
Collaborates with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning
Demonstrates a willingness to respond to individual learning needs
Ability to work well with students, parents, and colleagues in an instructional setting
Ability to follow directions and handle multiple tasks
Possesses proficient technology skills

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
Classroom Assistant Job Description (Continued Page 2 of 2)
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
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 60 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.