Kindergarten Instructional Assistant

Villa Academy is an inclusive independent school community dedicated to developing the whole child in the Cabrinian tradition of “education of the heart.” Through dynamic, inquiry-based learning, Villa students become active agents of their own intellectual growth in preparation for lives of service and purpose.

Villa Academy seeks a full-time Instructional Assistant (Kindergarten) to join its team. This role will support teachers, specialists, and students with the other Instructional Assistant in Kindergarten. Instructional Assistants work with individual students, as well as small groups and perform a variety of supplemental tasks throughout the school day. This is a ten-month, salaried non-exempt position that follows the academic calendar, reporting to the Director of Lower School.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, student-centered individual eager to share their experience, enthusiasm, and expertise with students across the three Kindergarten classes. They will have a strong knowledge of school settings with an emphasis on student support and literacy development. This candidate will appreciate and enjoy early elementary students and have a robust understanding of their learning and development.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist three Kindergarten teachers to support students’ learning, development, and social-emotional growth, alongside the other Instructional Assistant in Kindergarten.
• Deliver individual, small group, and whole-class instruction as directed by Kindergarten teachers.
• Foster a positive classroom community across the Kindergarten program by utilizing Villa Academy’s social-emotional learning and anti-bias curriculum.
• Carry out a variety of supplemental tasks, including: creating classroom materials, supervising recess, lunch, and specialist classes, and assisting with other Lower School duties as needed.
• Facilitate outdoor learning activities across Villa Academy’s 31-acre campus.
• Effectively partner and communicate with families, colleagues, and administration to appropriately challenge and support students.
• Collaborate with colleagues to share best practices and improve instructional strategies.
• Integrate technology and hands-on activities to enhance learning experiences.
• Regularly assess, evaluate, and provide feedback on student growth and development in literacy skills and mathematics.
• Participate in faculty/staff, grade level, and division meetings, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Commit to the mission, vision, and values of Villa Academy.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An Associate or a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field; teaching credential preferred.
• 2+ years of experience working with children aged five to eight in an educational setting.
• Strong knowledge of elementary education and teaching methodologies.
• Experience with differentiated instruction techniques to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Appreciation and enjoyment of Kindergarten students and an understanding of their learning and development.
• Ability to utilize effective classroom support strategies and positive relationship-building practices for young learners.
• Desire to utilize outdoor spaces to introduce children to nature and facilitate connections between them and their environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for long periods of time, kneel and sit on the floor, and be active with children.
• Proficiency with instructional technology including document cameras, interactive whiteboards, web-based learning software, and Google apps.
• Positive energy and enthusiasm for working in a Preschool through Eighth Grade, faith-based independent school.
• A commitment to ongoing professional growth, curiosity, cultural humility, and antiracism, as well as an understanding of its critical role in academic excellence and student growth.

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

Anticipated salary is $4,595/month. Villa Academy offers a robust benefits package for full-time employees, including employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, free parking, potential for graduate school tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please email items below to villa-hiring@thevilla.org, preferably in one PDF document:

• A cover letter detailing interest in and readiness for the role.
• A current resume including relevant educational experience and three professional references.

Villa Academy is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal rules and regulations. Villa Academy does not discriminate in admission, access, treatment, or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender presentation, sex, sexual orientation, creed, age, national origin, marital status or ability.