Teaching Assistant (Outdoor School)

Position:Teaching Assistant (Long-Term Occasional / Supply)

Organization: Tamarack West Outdoor School

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Start date: As soon as possible

Duration: From start date - June 21, 2024 with possibility for a 1-year extension

Starting Wage: $20 - $22/hour based on experience

Hours: at least 1 day/week this year, and as needed Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm, when school is in session, with possibility of supervising the After School Program until 6pm

About Tamarack West:

Tamarack West Outdoor School is a full-time elementary school situated in Toronto's surrounding High Park area, running from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, and is an accredited member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools (OFIS). Tamarack West’s mandate is to provide a compassionate, challenging, and inspiring environment where kids feel safe to take risks and explore their potential. We are dedicated to helping develop resilient, confident, and passionate children with inquisitive minds and strong skills.

The school curriculum is guided by the Ontario Ministry of Education, enhanced by student inspirations, and excelled by Ontario Certified Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, mentors, school visitors, community members, and local experts. Tamarack West recognizes incredible potential through experiential and inquiry-based learning by participating with the community at large and outside in nature.

Job description:

We are looking for a dedicated Teaching Assistant from April 29 - June 21, 2024, with possibility of a 1 year extension from Aug. 26, 2024 - June 20, 2025. There will be short-term supply opportunities starting this year as well. The Teaching Assistant will be responsible for supporting and contributing to the development and delivery of creative, innovative, and comprehensive classroom programming, utilizing both outdoor and indoor settings daily. The ideal candidate champions a compassionate learning community that celebrates different learners, allowing them to thrive and prosper. The ideal candidate has a strong and practiced background utilizing an inquiry-based, student-centered mentoring approach with students both in nature and in the classroom. Teaching Assistants who are observed to be a great fit for the school this year, will be considered for a possible 1-year LTO for the 2024 - 2025 school year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support in developing and executing the homeroom teacher’s day plan, that meets students where they are at, are appropriately challenging, creative, and that creates interdisciplinary connections, utilizing both outdoor and indoor settings daily
• Co-teach classes of students
• Teach indoors for half the day daily, and outdoors for the remaining day (with the option to be outdoors for the full day based on the teacher’s decision)
• Mentor and guide students throughout the year towards continual improvement and achievement
• Integrate the school’s mandate throughout all activities
• Participate and take initiative as an active collaborator in daily planning and debriefing meetings with co-teachers
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and other activities related to school life
• Support, supervise, and assess student progress and report on individual student achievement to the homeroom teacher wherever it applies
• Champion a compassionate, positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for students and all community members
• Support families with open, ongoing communication about student progress
• Maintain and handle sensitive situations/information with professionalism
• Integrate and support student teachers, volunteers, and visitors into the school community
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times and abide by all Tamarack policies (including any COVID-19 safety protocols)
• Attend and participate in Staff Training where required
• Be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Certification in Early Childhood Education, Child Youth Care, or similar/equivalent in good standing
• Up to date Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Up to date Standard First Aid and CPR-C or higher
• We encourage and welcome a diverse range of backgrounds, qualifications, and experiences, so don't hesitate to reach out

Benefits:

• Build a working relationship with our school towards possible further future employment
• A supportive, compassionate, work environment
• For qualified candidates who stay on:
• Annual wage increases
• Health Benefits (medical, dental)
• Paid sick days

Application Procedure:

Please submit the following:

• Your resume
• A one-page cover letter explaining your suitability for the position based on your education, experience, skills, and/or qualifications

PDF Filename: “[Your Full Name] - Teaching Assistant“
Email Subject Line: “[Your Full Name] - Teaching Assistant”

We thank all candidates for their interest and request no phone calls. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Tamarack West Outdoor School provides inclusive, equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from people from diverse gender, professional, cultural, and educational backgrounds. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Information received will be addressed in confidence.

For further information about Tamarack West Outdoor School, please visit our website for more information at http://tamarackwest.com

Job Type: Part-time

Salary: $20.00-$22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2024-04-01