Upper Primary Learning Spaces Educational Assistant

Hong Kong International School (HKIS) serves over 3,000 Reception 1 (Pre-K) through Grade 12 students from around the world. HKIS is an American, Christian school in an international setting, and a culturally diverse community of more than 45 nationalities. We believe in and live out our Mission statement:

Dedicating our minds to inquiry, our hearts to compassion, and our lives to service and global understanding

An American-style education, grounded in the Christian faith, and respecting the spiritual lives of all

We are currently recruiting for the following position:

Upper Primary Learning Spaces Educational Assistant

A Learning Spaces Educational Assistant works under the direction and supervision of the instructional coaches and divisional administrators to assist in fostering access to Upper Primary learning spaces beyond the classroom participation and learning for all students (e.g. The Garage, STEM Lab, UP Farm, Media Lab, Kid Kitchen). This includes supervising learning activities, (co-)teaching and working with students on an individual, small group, or whole class basis. The Learning Spaces Educational Assistant will be part of a team that collaborates to support student learning across all learning spaces and may take on additional responsibilities such as teaching classes on their own and covering planned absences. Responsibilities also include supervision of students throughout the day (e.g. recess, transitions) and other times as required such as during assemblies or field trips.

The Learning Spaces Educational Assistant also assists with administrative and clerical tasks (e.g. preparation of materials, coordinating plans with the teacher and managing booking requests, ordering supplies) to support the learning space, program needs and division's operations.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Instructional Support

• Collaborate with teachers and or instructional coaches to plan and provide instructional assistance to students on an individual, small group, or whole class basis.
• Teach small group activities (e.g. science lab, design challenge, plant harvesting).
• Confer with individual students and ask probing questions to prompt students to think deeply and learn through doing.
• Motivate, support and encourage students' growth and independence; allowing students to take risks and learn through doing.
• Assist students on technology devices and equipment used for learning (e.g. iPad, AR sandbox, laser cutter, hydroponics) across the learning spaces.

Supervision and Safety of Students

• Ensure the safety of students around the school by providing appropriate supervision of students daily during recess, lunch, during transitions etc. (e.g. to/from the bus, up/down stairs, to/from nurse's or principal's offices), school gatherings (e.g. assemblies, chapels), on field trips and at other times as may be required.
• Ensure safety of students in the learning spaces by:
  • reinforcing safety expectations to individual students, small groups or whole class as needed.
  • providing supervision anytime students are permitted in the learning space (independently and/or outside of classtime).
  • ensuring students are wearing and using safety equipment as needed (ie: goggles, gloves, aprons, etc.).
  • ensuring equipment is stored safely and securely - locked away when not in use etc.

Clerical and Administration

• Assist teachers with the preparation of lesson materials (e.g.equipment, tools, devices) and teaching resources (e.g. stationery).
• Communicate with parents, in coordination with teachers, as necessary.
• Capture and celebrate what happens in the learning spaces through photo/video etc.
• Prepare and manage calendars for teacher/class bookings.
• Other duties as required (e.g. deliver/collect internal mail, photocopying, laminating, answering the phone, responding to queries, clean up after projects).
• Work with the Grade Level EAs to prepare class lists including names, photos and health issues for each class to place in each learning space at the start of the year.
• Order consumable supplies on a regular basis to keep learning spaces stocked for class activities and lessons.
• Support budget holders by placing purchase requests and getting quotes as needed.
• Setting up and cleaning up supplies or materials for lessons/labs before and after classes as needed.
• Maintain/service specialized kits and equipment for learning spaces (ie: AR sandbox, laser cutters etc).

Activities and Events

• Collaborate with teachers in planning special celebration activities and other events as required.
• Help plan, organize, coordinate events taking place in our spaces including: e.g., Dragon Days, Student Led Conferences.
• Support outside of contracted hours as needed for school events (e.g., Camp, Concerts, Imagine HKIS, etc.).

Other

• Substitute for the teacher for short periods of time when the teacher is absent or otherwise occupied with other school duties (e.g. meetings). Substituting for the teacher for up to 3 hours is part of the normal job responsibilities; additional compensation will be due for half or full day periods.
• Participate in meetings as required (e.g. faculty, team, grade level) with teachers, colleagues, and administrators as required to support students and the school.
• Participate in in-house Professional Development opportunities.
• Undertake any other duties and functions as required to strengthen the contributions of the division and support and improve the smooth operation of the school.
• Complete annual goal setting and performance appraisal process with direct supervisor.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Qualifications:

• Form 6 and related post-secondary education (e.g. "Educational Assistant" Certificate, other coursework related to early childhood education).
• Teaching certificate or enrollment in a teaching certification program preferred.
• First Aid certification/training.

Experience Skills:

• 2 years as an Educational Assistant.
• Successful experience working in the classroom with students in the assigned grade level preferred or hands-on experience working with upper primary aged children.

Dispositions:

• Sense of Responsibility, Takes Ownership, Fostering Cooperation & Teamwork, Adaptability and Flexibility, Planning and Organizing, Reliability and Dependability.
• Strong written and verbal English skills, Cantonese and/or Mandarin a plus.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative to support a classroom and team.
• Proficiency with technology (e-mail, calendars, Word, Excel, Google Suite); SIS a plus.
• Passionate about young children.
• Interested in, respects, and has an appreciation for diverse cultures, languages, and religions.
• Actively supports the HKIS Mission and Student Learning Results.
• As a school grounded in the Christian faith, we hire employees of all faiths. HKIS seeks to hire candidates who are interested in the complex questions of faith and spirituality and who are keen to learn and interact with others of different faith traditions.

We invite you to learn more about our school and discover for yourself career opportunities in our remarkable HKIS community at

Interested candidates please forward your updated resume together with a cover letter and references to Apply Now

We look forward to hearing from you