Lower School Teaching Assistant 2026-2027

Job Description

Lower School Teaching Assistant 2026-2027

Germantown Friends School is seeking full and part-time Teaching Assistants for the 2026-27 school year in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Teaching Assistants support the mission of our school, including its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as our Quaker identity. Candidates should enjoy engaging with curious, thoughtful children and collaborating with creative and intellectual colleagues. At GFS, to help guide us, students and faculty use the acronym “SPICES” to remember the individual testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship.

Responsibilities:

Instructional Support & Classroom Engagement

• Assist lead teachers in the planning, preparation, and implementation of lessons.
• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce lessons, guide independent study, and support enrichment or intervention goals.
• Engage in all aspects of the learning process, including contributing to language development through storytelling, song, and oral communication.
• Collect objective student data at the teacher’s discretion and keep lead teachers informed of any social, academic, or personal issues that arise.
• Assume lead teacher duties and responsibilities when necessary.

Student Supervision, Health, & Safety

• Supervise student entry, dismissal, transitions, recess, and lunch.
• Assist students with nutrition, hygiene, and clothing needs.
• Support the health, safety, and welfare of students by maintaining a secure and watchful presence in all learning environments.
• Help maintain a positive discipline approach both inside and outside the classroom.

Classroom Management & Operations

• Prepare classroom materials, set up learning spaces, and keep classroom displays current, tidy, and organized.
• Assist lead teachers with necessary clerical work to ensure smooth daily operations.

Professionalism & Community Alignment

• Foster professional relationships with students and colleagues based on trust and respect.
• Participate in the school community and adhere to all professional standards as defined by Germantown Friends School.
• Participate in scheduled professional development workshops and strictly maintain the confidentiality of all student information.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the Lower School.

Attributes of a Successful Candidate:

• High-quality interpersonal skills that build rapport and trust with all staff members
• Energetic, enthusiastic, team player, flexible thinker
• High visibility with staff and accessibility to students
• Thoughtful decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Empathetic, patient, collaborative, flexible
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Lifelong learning role model

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience with children in a learning environment
• Demonstrated desire to grow as an educator

Work Hours:

Depending on the role, teaching hours vary.

• Full-time TA and Afterschool Program (ASPire) Team Member (Grades 1-5): 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Full-time TA (Kindergarten): 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
• Part-time TA: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee regularly works indoors and outdoors. TAs are directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of students. TAs work under the direction of the Lower School Division Director, Lead Teachers, and the Lower School office staff. This person is evaluated by the Lower School Director with input from the teaching staff.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three references, all as attachments, to [email protected]. Please include “LS Teacher Assistant” in the subject line.

Germantown Friends School is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in its student body, faculty, and staff. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class status. People demonstrating a commitment to diversity and multiculturalism in education are encouraged to apply. For more information about the school, please visit our website at www.germantownfriends.org.

Germantown Friends School is a Quaker, independent, coeducational day school, serving early childhood‐12th grade. Located in northwest Philadelphia, the school is home to a vibrant intellectual community, located in a historic neighborhood, serving a diverse school community, with a robust educational program that is grounded in Quaker principles. For more information about the school, visit www.germantownfriends.org.