Primary Teaching Assistant, Istanbul International Community School, Turkey

This school is based in Istanbul, Turkey and is looking for a Primary Teaching Assistant.

Key Purpose: As a Primary Teaching Assistant at Istanbul International Community School, your primary role is to support and enrich student learning, ensure their safety and well-being, and assist in the smooth running and organization of the classroom environment.

General Expectations:

• Maintain positive, respectful relationships within the school community.
• Adhere to school policies and procedures, supporting the school’s vision and mission.
• Contribute actively to school improvement initiatives, participate in meetings, support colleagues, and provide constructive feedback.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

Supporting and Enriching Learning:

• Work with small groups or individual students based on learning plans provided by the homeroom or specialist teachers.
• Take initiative to plan for student needs and extend their learning.
• Engage in meaningful learning conversations with students to enhance language use and critical thinking.
• Observe and document student learning progress.
• Support the creation of engaging displays showcasing student work and topics of interest.
• Set up and maintain stimulating learning environments.
• Participate in staff meetings and teacher planning sessions to discuss student progress and instructional strategies.

Ensuring Safety and Well-being of Students:

• Foster a positive and caring classroom atmosphere through friendly interactions and warm relationships with students and staff.
• Uphold classroom and playground behavior expectations set by the school.
• Supervise students during transitions, recess, specialist lessons, and field trips.
• Maintain awareness of school safety procedures and assist children with medical conditions as directed by the school nurse.
• Administer basic first aid when necessary.

Smooth Running and Organization of Learning Environment:

• Assist teachers in managing classroom systems and routines.
• Proactively maintain organized and well-cared-for classrooms, assisting students with learning resources and personal needs.
• Support teachers with administrative tasks and preparation of instructional materials.
• Contribute to primary school events and initiatives.
• Collaborate in managing and maintaining school-wide learning resources and supplies.
• Manage the class in the teacher’s absence for short periods and assist or supervise other classes as needed.

Communication:

• Engage in reflective discussions with team teachers and school support staff.
• Foster positive relationships with parents and the wider school community.
• Support homeroom teachers with effective communication strategies.

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Knowledge and experience with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP).
• Commitment to continuous professional growth and development.
• Willingness to contribute actively to the broader school community.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within the primary school team.

Required Qualifications:

• Fluent in English.
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Teaching or equivalent with pedagogical formation.
• Two years of teaching experience or relevant experience working with children (preferably in early years).