Assistant Teacher

**Job Title**: Assistant Teacher / Teaching Assistant

**Reports To**: Lead Teacher / Head of Department / Principal

**Job Summary**: The Assistant Teacher provides essential support to the lead teacher in managing the classroom, assisting students with their learning, and contributing to a well-organized and positive educational environment. This role involves both instructional and administrative duties, aiming to enhance student comprehension and ensure a safe and conducive learning space.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**I. Student Support & Instruction**:

- **Individual and Small Group Support**: Provide one-on-one or small group instruction to students, reinforcing lessons, clarifying concepts, and assisting with assignments, especially for those requiring additional help.
- **Behavior Management**: Support the lead teacher in managing student behavior, promoting positive classroom conduct, and addressing minor disciplinary issues in line with school policies.
- **Student Engagement**: Actively monitor and assist students during independent work, group activities, and discussions to keep them focused and engaged.
- **Observation and Feedback**: Observe student progress, participation, and challenges, and provide regular, accurate feedback to the lead teacher.
- **Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support**: Assist students with special educational needs, both academically and with daily school activities, under the guidance of the lead teacher or SEN coordinator.
- **Pastoral Care**: Provide basic pastoral care, attending to students who are upset, unwell, or need emotional support.
- **Supervision**: Supervise students during non-classroom times, such as lunch, recess, break times, and on school trips or excursions.

**II. Classroom Management & Preparation**:

- **Classroom Setup**: Prepare the classroom and other learning spaces for lessons and activities, including arranging desks, setting up equipment (e.g., projectors, lab materials), and distributing learning materials.
- **Material Preparation**: Assist the lead teacher in preparing and organizing instructional materials, such as worksheets, art supplies, and teaching aids.
- **Maintaining Order**: Ensure the classroom environment is safe, clean, tidy, and conducive to learning.
- **Display Work**: Assist in displaying student work to celebrate their achievements and enhance the classroom environment.

**III. Administrative & Clerical Support**:

- **Record Keeping**: Assist with record-keeping tasks, including taking attendance, tracking student progress, and maintaining student files.
- **Grading & Marking**: Help with the routine marking of assignments, tests, or homework as directed by the lead teacher.
- **Photocopying & Filing**: Perform general administrative and clerical duties such as photocopying, filing, and organizing documents.
- **Communication**: Assist the lead teacher in communicating with parents regarding student progress or concerns, as required.

**IV. Collaboration & Professional Development**:

- **Teamwork**: Work collaboratively and constructively as part of the teaching team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities.
- **Lesson Planning Support**: Contribute ideas to lesson plans and assist in the development of learning activities, as guided by the lead teacher.
- **School Policies**: Adhere to all school policies, procedures, and guidelines, including those related to child protection, health, safety, security, confidentiality, and data protection.
- **Meetings & Training**: Attend and participate in staff meetings, professional development workshops, and other school events as required.
- **School Ethos**: Contribute positively to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the school.

**Qualifications & Requirements**:
**Education**:

- Minimum of SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) or equivalent.
- Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or a related field is often preferred, especially for international or higher-level positions.
- Relevant courses or workshops in education or teaching assistantship are a plus.
- **Experience**:

- Previous experience working with children in an educational setting (e.g., school, tuition centre, childcare) is highly advantageous.
- Experience with specific age groups or special needs students may be required for specialized roles.
- **Skills**:

- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) in English and Bahasa Malaysia.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students, teachers, and parents.
- Patience, empathy, and a positive attitude towards children.
- Good organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to manage groups of pupils and deal with challenging behavior constructively.
- Basic knowledge of the relevant curriculum (e.g., primary school curriculum).
- Basic IT literacy (e.g., for record-keeping, using classroom equipment).
- Ability to be flexible and adapt to varying classroom needs