Position Summary
We are seeking passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our afterschool program, serving academically promising students in grades Pre-K through 5th across several elementary schools in Southern Maine. Positions are currently available in Biddeford, Portland, and Saco. Our program offers students hands-on experiences through engaging engineering design challenges… that integrate literacy, math, and social-emotional learning. These activities aim to build key skills essential for school success, including academic confidence, initiative, problem-solving, communication, and perseverance. Eligible students are identified in close collaboration with site coordinators and school staff. The program is primarily funded through grants and is offered in partnership with local school districts.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will support our dedicated team in delivering a dynamic 4-day-a-week program that focuses on a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum and a range of enrichment activities, including health and wellness, cultural engagement, and social-emotional learning.
Outside of program hours, you’ll participate in pre-program planning, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities. This role is a part-time, fixed-term position over the summer.
Key Responsibilities
Collaborative Planning: Work with a team to plan and implement remote or in-person STEAM curriculum and enrichment activities that connect with students’ prior knowledge, interests, and experiences, aligning with their school-day learning.
Instructional Support: Assist in delivering instruction under the guidance of site directors, ensuring all safety and health guidelines are followed.
Student Engagement: Foster a safe, structured, and organized learning environment that supports the physical and emotional well-being of students.
Relationship Building: Develop positive relationships with students, actively supporting and inspiring them to make healthy lifestyle choices—personally, socially, and academically. Provide assistance with behavior management when needed.
Reinforce Expectations: Support and reinforce consistent, clear, and positive expectations for learning and behavior that align with the values of the elementary school.
Program Excellence: Utilize best practices to achieve grant goals and reflect the program’s mission.
Team Communication: Participate in weekly team meetings to discuss program delivery, needs, and strategies for continuous improvement.
Professional Development: Engage in required training and professional development opportunities.
Communication: Regularly monitor communication platforms and respond promptly to site directors, coordinators, and team members.
Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the site coordinator or directors, and maintain professionalism in accordance with program expectations, online safety, and learning guidelines.
Minimum Qualifications
State of Maine Ed Tech Certification or demonstrated relevant experience and ability.
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in Education or a related field is preferred.
Work Experience & Skills
Experience working with youth, preferably elementary-aged.
A passion for learning and inspiring the same in children.
Experience working with diverse communities and low-performing populations is preferred. Experience with English Language Learners is a plus at certain sites.
Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Outlook, Google Drive, and Zoom.
Flexibility, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset.
A growth mindset and willingness to learn and apply new learning platforms and approaches.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting.
Equal Opportunity Employment
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We value diversity and strongly encourage people from all traditionally marginalized identities, including people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, to apply. We do not discriminate based on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Employment Type: Full-Time
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