PreK Assistant Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential.  We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Position Description

The PreK Assistant Teacher works in close partnership with the Lead Teacher and school leadership team to support a joyful, structured, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. In this role, Assistant Teachers contribute to a classroom culture where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.

Assistant Teachers help implement daily classroom routines, support small-group instruction, reinforce behavioral expectations, and provide targeted academic support to ensure all students make progress. They play an important role in maintaining a productive classroom environment and helping young learners build foundational academic and social-emotional skills.

PreK Assistant Teachers collaborate closely with their classroom team and report to an Assistant Principal.

This role is designed to provide hands-on classroom experience for individuals interested in developing their skills as early childhood educators. Through collaboration, coaching, and professional development, Assistant Teachers gradually take on increased responsibility in the classroom and build the skills necessary for continued growth in education.

PreK Assistant Teachers report to an Assistant Principal. The following are essential functions:

Support Instruction and Student Learning

• Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing daily lessons and classroom routines that support early childhood learning and development
• Facilitate small-group instruction and targeted interventions in literacy, math, or foundational skill areas
• Monitor student progress during learning activities and provide additional support to students who need reinforcement
• Use Rocketship-adopted curriculum and instructional tools to support student learning goals and Individualized Learning Plans
• Assist with administering and tracking student assessments and progress monitoring

Contribute to a Safe and Productive Classroom Environment

• Help maintain a positive classroom culture by reinforcing behavioral expectations and encouraging student engagement in learning
• Support transitions, routines, and structures throughout the school day to ensure students remain focused and supported
• Assist with classroom management and help ensure that all students have access to a safe and productive learning environment
• Support young students in developing independence with daily routines, including hygiene, self-care, and restroom routines such as potty training when needed

Collaborate with Classroom Team

• Work closely with the Lead Teacher to prepare materials, review lesson plans, and support classroom instruction
• Communicate regularly with teachers and school leaders regarding student progress and classroom needs
• Collaborate with grade-level teams to review data and adjust interventions to support student growth
• Support communication with families regarding student progress when appropriate

Engage in Professional Learning

• Participate actively in professional development and coaching opportunities
• Seek feedback and collaborate with instructional leaders to continuously improve classroom practice
• Contribute positively to the broader school community as a member of the Rocketship team

Required Qualifications

• Commitment to Rocketship’s mission to eliminate the opportunity gap and ensure all students achieve at high levels
• Passion for working with young children and supporting their academic and social-emotional growth
• Experience working with children in a classroom, childcare, or youth development setting strongly preferred
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with teachers, staff, and families
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced classroom environment
• Basic technology and computer troubleshooting skills
• Willingness to learn and grow as an educator through coaching and professional development
• Support children with age- and developmentally appropriate personal care needs, including toileting, diapering, and hygiene routines, in accordance with OSSE licensing requirements and school protocols.
• Promote student independence and self-help skills through developmentally appropriate support with toileting, handwashing, dressing, and daily routines
• This role may require frequent bending, kneeling, lifting, and assisting young children with personal care routines, including diapering and toileting support.
• Fluency in English required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required
• Interest in pursuing a teaching credential or long-term career in education is a plus

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally climb ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.

Compensation:

Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.

Rocketship Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Rocketship Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Rocketship Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Rocketship Public Schools’ employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. Click here for our Sexual Harassment Policy.  For questions, concerns, or complaints, please contact Human Resources.