Primary Assistant - Music Specialist Light of Christ Montessori School

Description

Job Summary

The Primary Assistant – music specialist collaborates with the lead guide to provide a warm, nurturing, and prepared Montessori environment. This position supports the guide by leading weekly Music Together in school singing and movement with students. The assistant may also provide observation and assistance, material making, administrative activities, and other duties as requested. This individual is flexible and adaptable to environments and tasks.

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as school leaders to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools. To fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing Christ's mission with them and entrusting them with various responsibilities.

Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the school leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the school leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

Requirements

 Essential DutiesWhen in a classroom, the Primary Assistant provides support to the classroom community to promote the well-being of the children and the group. They will observe the classroom and the children, relate their observations to the Guide, and help ensure that the goals of Catholic Montessori education at Light of Christ Catholic Montessori School are achieved.The Primary Assistant is responsible for maintaining the rhythm of the classroom. This includes an awareness of the classroom’s unique routines and the needs of the children. This person maintains a calm presence and serves as a supportive adult in the room for children and adults to turn to.

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals 
• Observes and assists individual students one on one or in small groups to support learning activities
• Observes students at all times, including lunch, recess, and routine movement
• Performs clerical tasks such as maintaining lesson data and notes, and prepares materials as indicated by the classroom guide 
• Meets staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese/local administration
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Maintains current and accurate records according to school policy
• Collaborates with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning
• Demonstrates a willingness to respond to individual learning needs 
• Ability to work well with students, parents, and colleagues in an instructional setting
• Ability to follow directions and handle multiple tasks
• Possesses proficient technology skills

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Music training and ability to sing and move with the children
• Knowledge of Montessori pedagogy and experience with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Music Together music in schools program
• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church 
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously 
• Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in job-appropriate technology 
• Skill in critical thinking and planning

Minimum QualificationsEducation:

• College degree or equivalent
• Music Together teacher training completion required
• AMI-Primary diploma is preferred
• CGS Level 1 Training Certificate is preferred

Experience:

• Montessori classroom or CGS experience is preferred.

Certifications and Training:

• Sufficient training to perform tasks assigned by the principal
• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 30 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.

Physical requirements for the position:

• The ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to sit on the floor
• Ability to get up and down from the floor with ease

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 
• The Parish is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.  
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.