Teacher Assistant
Job Description
Position Title: Elementary Teacher Assistant
Supervisor: Elementary Vice Principal
School Overview:
American International School in Cyprus (AISC) is a K – 12 college preparatory school offering a holistic American education taught by qualified North American, other international, and host-country Cypriot teachers who inspire, motivate and challenge students to achieve excellence.
AISC is operated by Esol Education, a premium international education organization, with 45 years of expertise in establishing and operating international American and British schools worldwide. Currently, 11,000 students attend Esol’s ten schools across three continents.
Similar to all other Esol schools, AISC has gained accreditation from The Middle States Association (MSA), Council of International Schools, and with the International Baccalaureate (IB). In Cyprus, AISC is regarded as a private school approved and licensed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, and Youth (MOECSY) in Cyprus under the Private Schools Law of 2019.
AISC has been educating students since 1987. The school enrollment is approximately 400 students. AISC has a vast international community serving Embassies and Consulates, as well as multinational companies and private, international, and local host country citizens. Over 40 nationalities are represented, with the top five being Israel, Cyprus, USA, Russia, and Lebanon.
At AISC, our mantra is focused on high expectations of ourselves and high expectations for the students who enter our school community. The combination of a welcoming and safe environment, skilled and inspirational teachers, and supportive parents, makes for great learning and a rich, rewarding atmosphere. We are committed to building a learning community where care and respect for one another is of paramount importance. We are committed to providing a balanced and holistic program with equal emphasis on the intellectual, social, creative, and physical domains.
Curriculum:
English is the language of instruction and communication at the school. The US Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, and other aAmerican and best practice international standards provide the framework for learning. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) is available as an option for students in Grades 11 and 12
Our Mission:
The mission of the American International School in Cyprus is to develop lifelong learners empowered to achieve educational excellence, nurture personal well-being, and become responsible global citizens who positively impact the world.
Our Vision:
Our vision is to be a global community that accepts and respects everyone and provides an outstanding, progressive KG-12 education through high-quality teaching and learning.
Teacher Assistant Job Description/Duties:
Teacher Assistants report directly to the classroom teacher and their division leader. Classroom teachers determine the best schedule for their Teacher Assistants and determine breaks throughout the day.
· Supporting the classroom teacher by working with small groups of students or individual students in achieving goals and outcomes that the teacher designs.
· Creating an environment of respect and rapport, engaging students actively in their own learning.
· Communicating clearly and positively, showing flexibility and responsiveness.
· Differentiating to meet the needs of students with different levels and types of ability.
· Using developmentally appropriate instructional strategies as designed by the teacher.
· Using a variety of resources to enhance student learning.
· Maintaining constant awareness of the needs of second language learners and students with difficulties.
· Using technology to support the teacher and optimize learning.
· Planning collaboratively with the teacher to support the teacher’s goals.
· Responding to the planning needs of the teacher and supporting preparation materials for all lessons.
· Maintaining accurate records as directed by the teacher.
· Always providing a safe environment for the student, in and out of the classroom.
· Efficiently carrying out supervision responsibilities as directed by the Teacher, the Elementary Coordinator and/or the Principal.
· Supporting the moral, social and emotional development of each child in our care.
· Always ensuring calm and sensible behavior through the application of fair and consistent discipline.
· Demonstrating positive attitudes of tolerance, respect and integrity by example.
· Celebrating multicultural origins and national identities in our community.
· Seeing that equity is observed in our school and not allowing gender or social status to intrude.
· Gaining insight in students through communication and partnership with families and colleagues.
· Reflecting on the role as a Teacher Assistant and working with the classroom teacher towards continual improvement.
· Seeking and participating in opportunities for professional growth.
· Supporting the emphasis on ongoing professional learning to further develop knowledge of pedagogy and teaching practice as a teacher assistant.
Child Protection:
The American International School in Cyprus (AISC) is strongly committed to all aspects of child protection and safeguarding. Therefore, our hiring process will include the following considerations:
· AISC will thoroughly and rigorously screen all applications.
· AISC reserves the right to withdraw an applicant’s candidacy if supervisory referees are not provided.
· AISC reserves the right to withdraw an applicant’s candidacy at any time should the information be forthcoming that may suggest the candidate is not suitable to progress in the process.
· Hiring is contingent upon a successful background check.
Safeguarding:
Safeguarding children from harm is a key responsibility for this role.
· It is your responsibility to provide children with an environment safe from physical harm, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.
· You are responsible for reporting any abuse or neglect incidents to the counselor or direct supervisor within 24 hours. If the counselor and direct supervisor are unavailable, you must report incidents to the principal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the information arrives to the counselor. If the child is in immediate danger, keep the child safe until you reach the counselor, principal, or director.
· It is a condition of your employment at the school that if any criminal charges or convictions arise against your name related to children that you report this to the director.
Community Expectations:
At AISC each member of staff is accountable for implementing the AISC Guiding Statements every day, including our Mission Statement, Code of Conduct, Human Rights Policy, and Constructive Communication Policy.
Required and Preferred Qualifications and Experiences:
· Have a minimum 2-years’ experience in a similar role.
· Have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education; a teaching certificate is a plus.
· Demonstrate alignment with our school mission, values, and model.
· Fluency in English and excellent communication and presentation skills.
· A positive, caring, community-minded team player with a passion for teaching.
Application Procedure:
The following application materials are required:
· Expression of interest.
· A current CV with photograph and the contact details of 3 professional referees (at least one from a supervisor at your current school).
· One-page statement of educational philosophy and/or approach to teaching and learning.
Include all documents in a single PDF file and forward by email to: employment@aisc.ac.cy
How to Apply
Interested candidates are kindly requested to send their CV to the HR Manager at employment@aisc.ac.cy.