Elementary Classroom Assistant

St. Mary’s Catholic School (SMCS) is now accepting applications for elementary teaching positions. St. Mary’s Catholic Schools is located in small, friendly town of West, just north of Waco. St. Mary’s Catholic School serves around 120 students in PreK3 – 8th grade. Since 1899, SMCS has educated students in spirit, mind, body, and service.

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 classroom assistant fulfills the mission of the school by assisting the classroom teacher in planning, guiding, and evaluating the learning process of the students in the Catholic school for whom the teacher is responsible within the framework of the school’s philosophy, organization, and curriculum. The 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.

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.
● Must complete Religion Certification Part 1 within two years of the date of hire, completing a minimum of 25 hours each year.

Working Conditions

● Required to work some nights and weekends
● Ability to work at least a full school day
● Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress
● Required to work in standard classroom and school conditions

Employee Certification

All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin.