Classroom Assistant

The principal duty of all employees is to assist in the mission of the Church in the Diocese of Fort Worth. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Ministerial description:

The Teacher Aide/Paraprofessional fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by assisting the Instructional/Lay teacher in planning, guiding, and evaluating students' learning. The Teacher Aide/Paraprofessional assists in providing an appropriate learning environment and activities designed to maximize students' competencies and skills for intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual growth toward a successful future.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Abides by the Confidentiality Policy set forth in the Diocese Employee Handbook
• Assists the Instructional/ Lay Teacher in Planning for instruction with logically sequenced objectives, based on the adopted curriculum, and submitted according to the local school policy
• Assists the Instructional/ Lay Teacher in providing appropriate material and resources for students to engage in learning
• Assists the Instructional/ Lay Teacher in using effective instructional methods/models according to professional standard practice
• Assists the Instructional/ Lay Teacher in using varied assessment tools to perform both formative and summative assessments
• Assists the Instructional/ Lay Teacher in providing instruction and assessment for understanding
• Assists the Instructional/ Lay Teacher in maintaining current and accurate records according to school policy
• Assists the Instructional/ Lay Teacher in practicing positive, consistent discipline in the management of the classroom
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Collaborate with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning
• Demonstrates a willingness to respond to individual learning needs
• Responsible for all other projects, tasks, committees, etc., as assigned.

Typical Decisions and/or Recommendations Made in This Position:

• Minimal Decisions and/or Recommendations Made in This Position

Supervision Given and/or Received:

• Moderate supervision given and/or received

Internal Contacts:

• Diocese pastors, priests, principals, business managers, and employees

External Contacts:

• Parishioners, parents, alumni, diocese vendors, local, state, and federal agency representatives, and auditors

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• This position works in a typical school environment but is subject to stress due to the evolving and quickly expanding needs of the Diocese, tight deadlines, and moderate workloads
• Ability to sit and perform computer work for lengthy periods of time
• Able to access and maintain centralized departmental files, which involves extending arms and reaching files stored in multiple levels on shelves, and climbing up a stepladder to access files
• Ability to accept work interruptions while remaining focused on duties
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance and up to 60 pounds with assistance
• Required to work some nights and weekends
• Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress
• Required to teach per the school schedule
• Required to work in standard classroom and school conditions
• Required to lift or carry classroom supplies, textbooks, furniture, and equipment
• Required to maintain composure and avoid inappropriate displays of emotion
• Required to sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, grab, pull, hear, see, and speak on a daily basis
• Required to perform repetitive physical tasks such as computer keyboarding, writing, and reading
• Required to monitor students in a variety of locations, including those with noise, activity, and inclement weather

Travel Requirements:

• Infrequent travel, by car, may be required to Diocese Parishes and/or schools.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• High School Diploma / GED
• Some college and/or previous experience preferred
• A practicing Catholic in good standing

Knowledge and Skills Preferred:

• Demonstrates a passion for working with children and fostering their holistic development
• Willingness to learn knowledge of subjects taught, instructional methods/strategies, and curriculum
• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Willingness to learn differentiation in target languages
• Knowledge of child development, learning, and behavior
• Able to manage student behavior in a classroom setting
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form in both targeted language(s)
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities effectively
• Willingness to learn skills in pacing and differentiating instruction
• Willingness to learn skills in motivating and engaging students in the learning process
• Skill in job-appropriate technology
• Skill in critical thinking and planning
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn
• Demonstrated history of good judgment
• Demonstrated aptitude for adaptability and flexibility
• Works well in a team setting
• Excellent organization, prioritization, and communication skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Skilled in using Microsoft 365 or Google to prepare learning materials, track student data, and create visual aids
• Demonstrated professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to receive, understand, retain, and complete verbal and written tasks
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams
• Ability to work well with people from a diverse variety of audiences
• Demonstrated ability to skillset to listen empathetically, make peace, and de-escalate

FLSA Designation: Nonexempt, (Occ/PT/FT = # of hours) Hours align with school operating hours and may include additional responsibilities.