Lower School Teacher Assistant & Building Substitute (Full-Time, Temporary)
Kansas City Lower School 3-5
Description
REPORTS TO: 3-5 Principal
STATUS: Full-Time, Temporary (approximately October 2026 – May 2027)
SALARY: $40,000
BENEFITS: Health, Dental, and Life Insurance provided
PURPOSE OF JOB
The Lower School Teacher Assistant & Building Substitute plays a dual role in supporting student achievement and ensuring instructional continuity across the school. The primary day-to-day responsibility is to partner with classroom teachers to deliver effective instruction, foster a positive classroom environment, and support individual student needs in K–5 classrooms. When needed, this role serves as the primary internal building substitute, stepping in to lead instruction, manage classroom environments, and deliver lesson plans during teacher absences.
This position embraces and advances the school’s mission to prepare students to succeed in college and become leaders in society while embodying core values of results, integrity, self-improvement, and excellence.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Other duties may be assigned)
Primary Responsibilities (Teacher Assistant Role)
Instructional & Classroom Support:
Support classroom teachers in planning, meeting, instructing, and managing assigned K–5 classes to meet individual student needs, interests, and abilities.
Small Group & Individual Intervention:
Work closely with designated grade-level teams and teachers to implement targeted instructional strategies, accommodations, and interventions for struggling students.
Classroom Environment & Student Conduct:
Assist in maintaining a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment. Encourage high standards of student behavior, support administration in enforcing school policies, and take all necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, and facilities.
Student Supervision:
Supervise students throughout the school day as directed by the principal, including during arrival, dismissal, recess, lunch, and hall transitions.
Preparation & Materials Management:
Assist teachers with class preparation, preparing instructional media, and organizing physical and digital learning materials.
School Culture, Professionalism & Engagement:
- Embody core values (results, integrity, self-improvement, and excellence) to support student success and close the achievement gap in an urban school setting.
- Maintain professional, effective communication with students, families, colleagues, and community members, including availability for parent outreach under reasonable terms.
- Actively participate in staff meetings, professional development, committees, and required school functions (including evening/weekend events as determined by the principal).
As-Needed Responsibilities (Building Substitute Role)
Classroom Coverage & Instructional Lead:
Seamlessly step in to lead instruction, execute established lesson plans, and manage classroom behavior across grades K–5 when regular teachers are absent.
Communication & Record Keeping:
Maintain accurate student/attendance records during coverage periods and provide comprehensive feedback to the primary teacher regarding lesson completion and student activity.
Role Flexibility & Adaptability:
Transition efficiently between assistant duties and full classroom coverage as daily building needs arise.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- None.
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Required).
- Certification: Hold or be eligible for a Missouri Teaching Certificate or Substitute Teacher Certificate.
- Experience: Previous experience working in a K–5 urban school environment preferred.
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Skills & Attributes:
- Strong commitment to urban education and closing the achievement gap.
- High level of adaptability, flexibility, and strong classroom management skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team collaboration skills.
