Key Responsibilities
Support the classroom teacher and work closely with her to ensure that all students benefit from the best possible education, learning and growing in a positive, respectful, and safe environment. Maintain positive, supportive, and professional relationships with the classroom teacher, students, parents, and school administration, and contribute positively to the school as a whole.
Main Duties
Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, the teaching assistant will:
- Provide support to small groups.
- Assist in classroom procedures and classroom-related tasks.
- Supervise within the classroom and throughout the school.
The primary role of the teaching assistant is to support students. Tasks may include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting children individually or in small groups to reinforce learning concepts introduced by the teacher and to help them complete assignments.
- Supporting the implementation of educational programs such as guided reading, guided math, writing groups, and others.
- Helping students develop independent learning skills, manage their learning, and prioritize their time.
Additional Duties
- Assist the teacher in preparing the classroom at the beginning and end of the year by collecting, counting, and returning resources.
- Support with daily classroom tasks such as exchanging books, collecting project materials, supervising students, etc. (not including grading or attendance records, which must be done by the teacher).
- Assist teachers in monitoring student performance, while recognizing that assessment is solely the teacher’s responsibility.
- Support the teacher in implementing school behavior management programs and classroom management strategies to ensure a safe and purposeful learning environment.
- Help in setting up and using educational equipment and software, ensuring safe and effective use by students.
- Assist in decorating bulletin boards and other areas of the school throughout the year and during special events.
- Attend parent meetings with the classroom teacher and administrators as needed.
- Substitute for the teacher when absent, including in classrooms without a permanent teaching assistant. In such cases, the teacher should provide lesson plans, preferably review and practice of previously taught content. Every effort should be made to avoid the assistant covering classes for extended periods; in such cases, planning and assessment responsibilities must remain with the teacher.
- Supervise students in various areas of the school and during field trips as required.
- Maintain ongoing collaboration with the classroom teacher.
- Clarify instructions provided by the teacher.
- Maintain a positive professional relationship with parents and students.
- Participate in professional development opportunities (alongside teachers where possible).
- Attend staff meetings and actively participate.
- Contribute to school events and projects.
- Communicate ideas and feedback with colleagues and administration in a professional and constructive manner.
- Provide official documentation regarding education, training, and certifications to enable the school to meet legal accreditation requirements.
Tasks That Must Not Be Assigned to Teaching Assistants
These are the sole responsibility of teachers:
- Conducting assessments or exams, including grading, entering marks, or recording attendance.
- Communicating with parents regarding academic or behavioral matters.
- Managing or disciplining students independently of the teacher. Students must be referred to counselors or the appropriate referral form must be completed.
Collaboration Between Teacher and Teaching Assistant
To perform effectively, the teaching assistant must be supported to understand the expectations of the school and teachers, receive training on school programs, policies, and procedures, and be provided with opportunities for collaborative work with the classroom teacher. Examples include:
- Giving task-related guidance.
- Helping the assistant understand the student reward system and the boundaries of her authority versus matters requiring teacher involvement.
- Providing feedback on how the assistant handled assigned tasks, including incidents involving student behavior during teacher absence or busyness, and situations requiring initiative and problem-solving.
- Allowing the assistant to regularly share observations with the teacher, especially regarding student behavior.
- Providing access to lesson plans, such as copying weekly plan emails.
- Holding weekly collaboration meetings between teacher and assistant to discuss current and upcoming matters, with a copy of meeting notes submitted to the assistant supervisor.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a field related to education or English preferred; minimum of a two-year post-secondary diploma in these fields.
- Age between 25 and 40 years, in good health.
- At least 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in Qatar.
- Ability to work effectively with children and adults in a kind and cooperative manner.
- Ability to complete responsibilities and tasks on time, accurately, and with great attention to detail.
- Proactive and positive personality.
- Ability to work under limited supervision.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask.
- Creativity and the ability to think outside the box.
- Ability to work safely, create a safe environment, and respond quickly in emergencies to ensure student safety.
- Ability to analyze situations and take appropriate action in routine or emergency matters without needing direction.
- Transferable residence permit or eligibility for a work permit.
Benefits
- End-of-service gratuity equivalent to one month’s basic salary for each completed year of service.
- The basic salary is calculated as 70% of the total salary.
- Annual paid summer vacation.
