Teaching Assistant

Job Description DESCRIPTION: Work with the Education Director in our arts-based Ethical Explorers curriculum, engaging learners in discussion, guiding arts activities, and managing classroom regulation for children ages approximately 5 to 15.REPORTS TO: Education Director.HOURS: Nominally 2 hours per week, Sunday mornings, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., potentially longer on some Sundays, September through May.RESPONSIBILITIESPer the Americans with Disabilities Act, only the responsibilities and qualifications deemed essential to the position are listed here.Work scheduled shifts and promptly inform Education Director of planned and unplanned absences.Help prepare and clean up classroom and supplies.Create a welcoming environment that invites children and youth to engage in open-minded, thoughtful discussion about ethical and Humanist values.Assist a wide age range of children with arts-based projects, focusing on creative self-expression, critical thinking, and community-building.Utilize responsive and developmentally appropriate classroom regulation strategies, including but not limited to:accommodating for different learning needs, sociocultural contexts, and developmental stageswarmly responding to needs and requests of childrengently redirecting children's attention to class discussions and activitiesprioritizing connection-building and "process over product"[DR2]Maintain an anti-bias, inclusive space that is physically and emotionally safe. Zero tolerance for physical discipline. No aggressive, threatening, or hostile communication, whether verbal or nonverbal.Report concerns, problems, accidents, and suggestions to the Ethical Education Director immediately via verbal and written communication.EDUCATIONAssociate's degree or Montessori diploma strongly preferred, with a focus in child development, youth studies, art education, or a related field.EXPERIENCEAt least 1 year of classroom or programming experience directly engaging with children/youth.Experience in special-needs or inclusive classrooms is desirable.Interest and skill in the arts and/or arts education is highly preferred.Familiarity with or willingness to learn about Unitarian Universalism and Humanism.Previous certification in First Aid/CPR or willingness to undergo training.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following with reasonable accommodations made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:Physical strength and agility to transport classroom supplies and assist in fine and gross-motor creative activities.Talking and listening.Writing and reading (email communication and record-keeping).Company DescriptionFirst Unitarian Society of Minneapolis is an intentionally and radically inclusive congregation of adults, youth, and children, with a commitment to social justice and progressive values. www.firstunitarian.orgCompany DescriptionFirst Unitarian Society of Minneapolis is an intentionally and radically inclusive congregation of adults, youth, and children, with a commitment to social justice and progressive values. www.firstunitarian.org