Beginning and Lower School Teaching Assistant

Role summary

Beginning and Lower School Teaching Assistant is a role at Catlin Gabel School in Portland, Oregon, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-08-06. Experience level: 0-2. No degree required.

Job title

Beginning and Lower School Teaching Assistant

Company

Catlin Gabel School

Location

Portland, Oregon, United States

Work arrangement

on-site

Category

Software Engineering

Experience level

0-2

Degree required

No

Date posted

2026-08-06

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The BLS Teaching Assistant supports teachers and children in the classroom, outdoors, and in specialist classes and helps to create an inclusive learning environment for students. The Teaching Assistant provides supervision of children during times when teachers and other staff are meeting. The Teaching Assistant also works in After School Programs before and after school and on days when regular classes are not in session, with scheduling and direction provided by the ASP Director.

PAY RANGE

Based on experience

$24/hour - $27/hour

COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of developmentally appropriate activities for children and child development

Ability to create positive, professional relationships with parents, caregivers, and colleagues and communicate effectively

Strong conflict management skills

Cultural competency, ability to interact with a diverse array of people and foster inclusivity within the classroom, with colleagues and parents

Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively as a team member

Ability to problem-solve, compromise, collaborate, be flexible, and take direction when necessary

Strong organizational skills and time management

Proficient with Word, Outlook, and Google Drive

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise students in the classroom, lunchroom, outdoors, at recess, etc.

Support the teaching team through material preparation, technology support, attention to classroom details, management of student work, and maintenance of the classroom environments

Supervise and lead some activities in small groups, whole groups, and with individual children across all subject areas

Demonstrate willingness to learn about and apply conflict resolution, differentiation, classroom/group management strategies, and child development

Support school efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Provide an inclusive, caring, and responsive environment with respect to children’s individual identities

Provide care before and after school, on days when regular classes are not in session, and during Community Connections.

Pursue professional learning opportunities, including 15 hours of professional development every year

Attend orientations, staff meetings, and training sessions if assigned

Maintain current certifications for Oregon Child Care Division Central Background Registry, Food Handler, CPR/First Aid certifications, and professional development hours in Oregon Registry Online (ORO)

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

AA in education or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of training and experience may be substituted in lieu of degree

At least six months of experience implementing activities for young children in childcare and/or educational settings

Enrollment in Oregon Office of Child Care’s Central Background Registry

Food Handlers certificate and current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to attain within 30 days of hiring date

Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

The Teaching Assistant has daily contact with children, parents, teachers, the Assistant Heads of Beginning and Lower School, the Director of After-School Programs, and After-School Program staff. The Teaching Assistant also has contact with the Head of Beginning and Lower School. Some interactions include confidential information.

SCHEDULE

The Teaching Assistant works on days when there are classes or childcare at Catlin Gabel. Assistants also work the week before the school year begins and the week after it ends. Teaching assistants spend most of their time interacting with children and staff and maintaining the classroom environment. Assistants spend time outside with children each day in varying weather conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility sufficient to move about the campus and assure the safety of young children

Ability to communicate with children, colleagues, and families

The ability to occasionally lift 30-50 pounds and to accomplish frequent bending, squatting, stooping and kneeling