Assistant Guide - Lower Elementary

OVERVIEW

Starwood Academy of Frisco serves children ages 18 months to fifteen years old. We have offered a high-fidelity Montessori education to the Frisco community for the past 25 years. 100% of our administrators have Montessori credentials at one or more levels and our average staff tenure is over ten years. Each person in our community — our students, their families and school staff alike — believes in building a vibrant community, nurturing respectful relationships, supporting lifelong learning, delivering excellence in education, and enjoying a love of life.

Starwood Academy is looking for a Lower Elementary Teaching Assistant to join our committed faculty team. This position offers a rewarding opportunity for an individual who is enthusiastic about nurturing young learners in a supportive, child-centered, and academically engaging environment.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

As a Lower Elementary Assistant, you will work alongside a Montessori Lead Guide (Teacher) to foster a warm, structured, and engaging classroom environment for students in grades 1–3. Your role will include preparing the learning space, assisting with individual and group lessons, supporting students’ well-being, and demonstrating the values of respect, independence, and curiosity that lie at the heart of Montessori education.

JOB SCOPE

Collaborates with Lower Elementary Guide and other school professionals to meet the needs of all students emotionally, socially, and academically.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in the preparation of curriculum materials
• Assists in preparing and maintaining the prepared Montessori environment
• Assists with the care and maintenance of classroom materials, maintaining an orderly environment, and keeping it clean and in good condition
• Assists the Lower Elementary Guide with individual and group lessons, engages with students during lunch and supplemental classes, and supports overall student well-being.
• Assists Lower Elementary Guide with students in afternoon carpool, ensuring their safety as they exit the school
• Commits to SAF best practices in Montessori education and professional development
• Checks work and maintain records for each student as needed
• Works with individual and small groups of students as requested by the Lower Elementary Guide
• Shares responsibility for the safety and physical well-being of the students
• Supervises students during lunch, and recess
• Supports guide with implemented guidelines and expectations for behavior in the classroom and during other on-campus/off-campus trips and events
• Shares with Lower Elementary Guide any observation regarding student behavior, relaying information directly to Assistant Head of School in the absence of the Lower Elementary Guide
• Reports all accidents/incidents at once. Completes Incident Report at Front Office
• Attends field trips and outings in collaboration with Lower Elementary Guide
• Attends school, community, and/or parent education events as detailed in the Employee Handbook or as assigned by Assistant Head of School
• Attends and actively participates in Teaching Assistant meetings and other meetings as assigned
• Takes the lead in the classroom in the absence of the Lower Elementary Guide
• Refers parent questions and/or concerns to Lower Elementary Guide
• Attends and actively participates in Lower Elementary Teaching Assistant meetings, and other meetings as assigned
• Complies with the duties, standards, and professional behaviors outlined in the Employee Handbook, including responsibilities not specifically listed in this job description
• Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Head of School

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• Ability to provide documents verifying authorization to work in the U.S.
• Must pass Criminal Background Checks and Reference Check
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Strong Interpersonal skills
• 2+ years working with children
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite of products
• Ability to interact and communicate professionally with colleagues, students, parents, and others in the school community and during off-campus school related activities
• Ability to function as a team with colleagues and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and with other administrators as required
• Willing to take Montessori Classroom Assistant’s Training, if recommended

Preferred:

• 4 years’ experience working with children

WORK SCHEDULE

Schedule: Generally, Monday to Friday, 7:45 AM to 3:45 PM. There may be some evening or weekend work.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Occasionally lifts classroom supplies/equipment weighing up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, stoop, and reach for extended periods of time daily
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks such as at a computer keyboard
• Helps set up classroom environment and student work supplies
• Works in standard office climate and conditions
• Participates and serves as chaperone during day/overnight camping and class trips as required
• Works outdoors supervising students at recess, carpool and on school trips

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person