Lower School Teaching Assistant

Chandler School is an independent K-8 school located in Pasadena, CA, with an enrollment of 450. Founded in 1950, Chandler School abides by its mission to provide each student with the highest quality and most academically challenging education in a nurturing, balanced and diverse environment.

We strive to have our students gain a love of learning, a means of thinking independently and an ability to work collaboratively. A Chandler education seeks to develop good character, self-reliance and a commitment to community in students as a foundation for academic and personal success.

We take pride in our thriving community with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We learn and grow from one another and respect each others’ creativity and knowledge to promote a nurturing and healthy workplace.

Purpose/Summary

This position will play a vital role in supporting the social, emotional, and academic development of our students through direct and indirect services. The Teaching Assistant (TA) will work closely with both classroom and specialist teachers, assisting in the implementation of instructional activities. The TA’s primary responsibilities will include supporting classroom management, facilitating lesson implementation, and supervising students during lunch and recess. Additionally, you will guide students as they engage in activities and play. Teaching assistants may also be provided the opportunity to gain experience as a teacher by acting as a substitute for your lead teacher when possible.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Providing instructional support, especially during math and language arts instruction, at the direction of the classroom teachers
• Working with students in small and large groups as part of differentiated instruction
• Supervising children at play, promoting and maintaining a safe and inclusive environment
• Promoting students’ social-emotional learning and development
• Maintaining a focus on observing students closely
• Communicating and collaborating with faculty and staff, sharing insights into student learning and behaviors
• Attending monthly teaching assistant meetings during the school day
• Lead and facilitate the school experiences for children who stay for the extended day
• Provide instructional coverage for classroom teachers during professional development or meetings
  
  

Supervision Of Students

Chandler School is committed to providing students with multiple opportunities to engage in physical activity and play each day. Upon hire, teaching assistants are assigned lunch and recess supervision duties. Teaching assistants also monitor student transitions between classroom spaces. When supervising students during these times, employees are expected to:

• Avoid anything that might distract them from engaging in careful observation.
• Spread out from other adults supervising recess and PE
• Model Chandler’s Pillars of Character
• Support students as needed with problem solving and conflict resolution
• Enforce all school rules and policies to promote positive discipline
• Help students maintain facilities and play equipment
• Report any behavior concerns and/or injuries to the classroom teacher, lower school director, and any other relevant personnel
  
  

Skills & Qualifications

• Clear and professional verbal and written communication with teachers, students, and parents
• Effective organizational skills and interpersonal skills
• Reliability in maintaining routines and following through with tasks
• Patience, energy, and physical stamina
• Ability to reinforce lessons under the direction of the lead teacher
• Active listening and observational skills to report on student behavior and learning
• Flexibility to support multiple classrooms or grades as needed
• Strong classroom management skills that foster a respectful, inclusive, and engaging learning environment
• Proactive engagement during instructional and non-instructional times
• Basic familiarity with educational technology (e.g., Google Workspace, iPads, digital learning tools)
• Patience, empathy, and ability to model positive behavior
• Highly attuned to the unique needs of each learner and thrives in dynamic and ever-changing situations
• Skill in gently redirecting or supporting children through conflict or emotional regulation
• Commitment to Chandler’s mission and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, social-emotional learning (SEL), and supporting student well-being
  
  

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree, college coursework in education, child development, or a related field is a plus.
• Minimum of two years of working with children in school, camp, or child care settings
• Experience working with small groups and individual students
• Experience in a private school setting (preferred, but not required)
• Experience partnering with families to support student learning and growth
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
  
  

Environment And Working Conditions

• Ability to lift and carry items such as sports equipment or activity supplies, typically up to 30 pounds.
• Regular bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching to interact with children at their level, assist with activities, or manage supplies.
• Works in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and a varied and diverse array of contacts;
• Ability to move around the school campus, including walking, standing, sitting, bending, and reaching for extended periods.
• Willingness and ability to supervise children in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, or rain, during outdoor play or field trips.
• Moderate noise levels typical of a school environment, including student conversations, classroom activities, and occasional events.
• Standard school-day schedule, with occasional evening or weekend work for special events, meetings, or professional development.
  
  

Application Process

Interested candidates should send a resume to Laura Reardon .

Compensation And Benefits Overview

Our comprehensive package is designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees

• Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• *Full time only: Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans available to employees and their dependents. Chandler School pays up to 50% of dependent care coverage.
• *Full Time only: Retirement Plan: Participation in a 403 (b) plan with employer contributions up to 10% of salary.
• Vacation accrual is available to non-faculty employees. Personal and sick days available to all employees in addition to 15 paid holidays.
• Professional Development: Access to ongoing training opportunities and reimbursement for relevant certifications.
• Wellness Support: Every employee receives a wellness stipend.
  
  

Chandler School is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are evaluated without consideration of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Visit the Chandler website at www.chandlerschool.org .