Horizons Summer Teaching Assistant

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: Teaching Assistant, SUMMER 2024

LOCATION:  Horizons at San Francisco Friends School

Organization Background:

Horizons at SFFS provides joyful academic and enrichment learning opportunities that build on the skills and talents of students in San Francisco public schools with a unique organizational commitment from Kindergarten through to high school graduation. Our Core Values of joy, social justice, holistic support, and community have resulted in a 97% retention rate and our 4:1 student to teacher ratio has ensured consistent growth in academic and social and emotional indicators across our decade of impact in the community. 

For more information about Horizons at SFFS, please visit http://www.horizonsatsffs.org

Position Overview:

Horizons at SFFS is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants with experience working with K–8th grade youth and a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of public school students in San Francisco. The Teaching Assistant works with a Lead Teacher to design activities and lessons for the K-8 class. They are a positive role model who collaborates with the Horizons staff and supports the academic and social-emotional success of each and every Horizons student throughout the six week summer program. Candidates must be willing to contribute  to building this vibrant program and help fulfill the Horizons mission. This is a temporary in-person position located at 250 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94103

Essential Job Functions:

The Teaching Assistants will

• Help plan daily classroom schedules and assist with instruction.

• Work with individual and small groups of children in all subjects.

• Participate in collaborative working groups and professional development spaces.

• Lead the classroom if the case of any Lead Teacher absences.

• Assist on field trips around San Francisco.

• Maintain classroom spaces, prepare materials for lessons, and conduct student observations.

• Help maintain ongoing communication with parents, caregivers and teachers.

• Meet regularly with Lead Teacher, Instructional and Curriculum Coach, Executive Director, and the Academic Program Director, and volunteers as needed to accomplish goals and/or problem-solve as issues occur.

Qualifications:

The ideal Teaching Assistant will be flexible, collaborative and mature, willing to adapt to the needs of their assigned Lead Teacher and the overall school/program, and able to help implement strategies to engage students in active learning. Professional, caring educators who take initiative and demonstrate creative problem solving skills will find Horizons at SFFS to be a lively, inspiring, and engaging community. Below are some of the required and preferred qualifications for the position:

Required:

• Experience in a K-8th Grade classroom supporting effective, academic curriculum.

• Familiarity with classroom management, social emotional learning and specific strategies for developing 

children’s noncognitive skills such as focus, determination, empathy and self discipline.

• Understanding and knowledge of the issues and challenges facing public school students and families living in the Mission District.

• Some experience with social and emotional learning best practices.

• Ability to maintain good communication between all parties, have clear expectations and directions, and to give and receive feedback to fellow staff.

Preferred:

• English/Spanish language and bicultural proficiency preferred.

• BA, preferably in education, child development, or a related field.

• Some experience in designing and delivering curriculum for K-8th Grade second language learners.

• An interest in developing their skills as an educator or working towards an elementary teaching credential or equivalent.

The rate of pay for the Teaching Assistant position is $6,606-$8,826 for the summer, commensurate with experience. The position is full time (non-exempt) during the six weeks of the program and the faculty prep week before the program starts. Each Spring, teachers and staff are expected to attend two staff planning meetings. 

Dates:

Pre-Summer Mandatory Training Dates

June 8th, 9am - 5pm 

June 15th, 9am - 5pm

Summer, 2024

Monday, June 17 - Friday June 21  - Teacher orientation week and classroom set-up (June 19th is a paid holiday)

Monday June 24 - Friday August 2 - Six-week program (July 4th and 5th are paid holidays))

Continuity of work:

It is our hope that Horizons summer staff will be open to returning to the program for more than one summer, as we continue to work together, support our students, and build the program and the community.  Beyond summer, Horizons provides year round programming to its students and families. 

To Apply:  Please apply via JazzHR at HERE or email a resume and cover letter, outlining your skills and experience (PDF format, please) to Ariel Mendez-Peñate, Program Director of Horizons at San Francisco Friends School at [email protected] with subject line “Horizons at SFFS Teaching Assistant”.  

 Horizons at San Francisco Friends School is an equal opportunity employer.