Schoolwide Assistant - Ethical Culture

Who we are?

Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves a diverse community of about 1,700 students on two campuses -- one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan. Ethical Culture School, located on the Upper West Side at 63rd Street and Central Park West, is comprised of approximately 450 students Pre-K through 5th Grade and 80 faculty members.

What is essential about working at our school?

The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of equity and inclusion deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace diversity of ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs and seek a student body and faculty that reflect the pluralism and socio-economic diversity of metropolitan New York. We affirm both our differences and commonalities and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives and see the world beyond the self.

We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in a diverse environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality.

Position Summary

The role of the Schoolwide Assistant is to provide support and assistance with daily classroom activities (with additional hours of help in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades during lunch and recess). The Schoolwide Assistants help promote a well-organized and smooth-functioning classroom environment where all children can fully take advantage of the instructional program and continuously help monitor children to ensure safety at all times.

There will be two Schoolwide positions to fill—one that primarily works primarily in the library and one with all grade levels in a variety of settings. Please indicate if you are most interested in the library or the all-school position in your application or cover letter.

The hiring range for this role is $20.00-25.00/per hour.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of both Schoolwide Assistants will include:

• Assisting the Head Teacher and Associate Teacher during recess. Ensuring safety on the playground, helping children use appropriate language, and assisting children during difficult social interactions;
• Monitoring Pre-K-5th grade during cafeteria lunchtime. Helping to serve food and ensure that all children have an appropriate lunch to help them sustain their day. Keeping noise and movement to an appropriate level. Helping the children clean up after lunch and ensure general safety;
• Assisting in monitoring the Pre-K - 5th grade during Early Birds (8:00-8:30 am). Helping find appropriate non-academic activities during this time. Helping clean up after Early Birds and transition and walking children to their respective classes;
• Assisting in monitoring the Pre-K – 5th grade during dismissal. Helping keep children calm and organized during this time. Walking children out of school to their respective buses and ensuring that they get safely into their seats;
  
  

The responsibilities of the Schoolwide Assistant who works primarily with the library will include:

• Checking books in and out of the library;
• Responding to the spontaneous need for books throughout the day by students, faculty, or parents;
• Shelving books as needed;
• Processing and repairing books as needed;
• Cataloging-related and patron-related data entry and other housekeeping functions using the library software system;
• Facilitating the use of the library by students and faculty;
• Assisting with non-teaching duties and book checkout for library classes;
• The sole responsibility for supervising students and library use between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm;
• Assisting with various library projects as needed;
• Supervising students during Early Bird before school and recess duties as required;
• Supervising students during one lunch period a day;
• Manage inquiries over the counter and via email or telephone.
  
  

The librarian assistant position hours are Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The responsibilities of the schoolwide assistant who works as a floater will include:

• Assisting the Head Teacher and Associate Teacher with supervising children in the classroom with non-academic tasks;
• Setting up lunch and snack tables, serving and helping children with family-style lunch in Pre-K, and assisting children in K-1st grade in serving themselves and each other. Clean up after lunch and snacks, including washing dishes and sanitizing the classroom;
• Assisting Head Teachers and Associate Teachers during rest time. Helping ensure a quiet and safe resting environment, finding activities for children during rest, and helping to keep the classroom quiet during this time. Setting up or assisting children to find appropriate spots to stay calm and without too many social interactions during a time allotted for winding down and personal space;
• Assisting with field trips or day trips, such as neighborhood walks under the supervision of the Head Teacher and Associate Teacher;
• Assisting during Woodshop for the 1st grade half groups. Assisting the Head Teacher to ensure a safe and functioning classroom. Assisting Head Teacher prep for class, helping to maintain an organized classroom, and assisting with cleaning up after class;
• Helping with school-wide organization of materials, bulletin boards, photocopying, and cleaning of classroom spaces and materials.
  
  

The hours for the floater are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Requirements

The successful incumbent for the schoolwide position will possess:

• A Bachelor's Degree;
• Previous experience working with elementary-aged students;
• Prior library experience preferred (only for the candidates applying for the library area);
• The ability to prioritize the needs of children and enjoy working collaboratively with teachers;
• Strong Effective oral communication and interpersonal skills;
• The ability to maintain confidentiality;
• The ability to be detail-oriented, logical, and have a methodical approach to problem-solving;
• The capacity to maintain a professional demeanor in response to the needs of students;
• Patience, flexibility, and a nurturing demeanor;
• Capability to adapt to changing needs and situations;
• The means to execute sound judgment with an ability to navigate complex situations;
• Capacity to develop and maintain positive communications and working relationships with co-workers by being collaborative and maintaining a pleasant work attitude; Build strong elementary school culture and positive relationships;
• The ability to be comfortable with a variety of weather conditions as required for the playground supervision;
• Exemplary record of attendance and punctuality;
• The ability to manage time effectively, prioritize various tasks, and stay organized and calm in challenging situations;
• Respect and appreciation for diversity in all of its forms;
• The ability to listen effectively and be receptive to feedback;
• A commitment to progressive education as outlined on our website;
• CPR / First Aid training (preferred – ECFS will provide training).
  
  

To Apply

All candidates should visit our employment page at www.ecfs.org to apply. Please send a resume and contact information for three references.

EEO

ECFS is an equal-opportunity employer. Our goal is to be a diverse community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and our families. We aim to align our hiring process with our mission and institutional goals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. ECFS takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance all qualified candidates.