Administrative Skills, Best Practices, CPR Certification, Coaching, Communication Skills, Conferences, Diversity, Documentation, First Aid, Leadership, Management Strategy, Montessori Method, Multitasking, Needs Assessment, Nonprofit, Pathogens, Problem Solving Skills, Progress Reports, Record Keeping, Reporting Skills, Risk Management, Staff Training, Stewardship, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Materials
Are you an enthusiastic and responsible collaborator who loves working with elementary Learners (grades K-8)? Do you find passion in guiding learners to be their best selves socially, emotionally, and academically? The Nature School of Central Indiana is excited to announce an opening for a Teacher's Assistant for the 2026-27 academic year. Our school community values the rich cultures, traditions, and ethnicities our families come from, and we are looking for diverse applicants who represent these backgrounds. M-F 8:30-4:00, starting at $15/hour.
Application Deadline:
Immediate
About us:
The Nature School of Central Indiana Learners follow their natural interests as they explore their world, discovering the interconnectedness of personal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Students learn how to work interdependently and collaboratively, experiencing a transformative education as they grow into the next generation of engaged, global thinkers who compassionately challenge the status quo. We strive to be a nurturing, diverse, and inclusive community.
Mission
The Nature School of Central Indiana: Changing the world for the better, one learner at a time.
Vision
The Nature School of Central Indiana approaches education with time-tested philosophies of Montessori and Waldorf education with a focus on nature-based learning, honoring the child as a whole, fostering a local community and global mindset, with a commitment to educational leadership and institutional longevity.
This job is for you if you:
- Are inspired by our mission and vision
- Love children and supporting their development
- Have a commitment to high quality care and learning
- Are a skilled classroom manager, inspiring children to be their best selves and coaching them through solution-finding processes
- Delight in the details of maintaining a classroom space for children to thrive
- Are a highly relational and effective communicator
- Are able to multitask and manage a variety of supportive responsibilities
- Have a positive attitude and are able to roll with a dynamic and creative organization
- Care about equity, diversity, and social and environmental justice
- Enjoy working in a progressive, relational, collaborative, and nature-loving team of dedicated and talented individuals
Job Responsibilities
Classroom Support
- Assist with Instruction:
- Help deliver lessons prepared by the lead teacher.
- Guide Learners in their work, providing individualized assistance as needed.
- Support Learners during group activities.
- Prepare Materials:
- Prepare and organize instructional materials and resources.
- Ensure materials are clean, complete, and accessible to Learners.
- Classroom Environment:
- Maintain an orderly, clean, and inviting classroom environment.
- Set up and arrange materials and activities to facilitate independent learning.
Student Supervision
- Monitor Students:
- Supervise Learners during classroom activities, outdoor play, and transitions.
- Ensure Learner safety and address any immediate needs or conflicts.
- Observation and Assessment:
- Observe Learners to understand their needs, progress, and interests.
- Record observations and share insights with the lead teacher for planning purposes.
Administrative Tasks
- Record-Keeping:
- Assist with maintaining Learner records, attendance, and other necessary documentation.
- Help with the preparation of reports and progress notes.
- Communication:
- Communicate with families and caregivers as directed by the lead teacher.
- Participate in parent-teacher conferences and school meetings when required.
Professional Development
- Training and Meetings:
- Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development workshops.
- Stay informed about Montessori, Waldorf, and Nature philosophies and best practices in education.
- Collaboration:
- Work collaboratively with the lead teacher and other staff members.
- Contribute to a positive and cooperative working environment.
Additional Responsibilities
- Event Participation:
- Assist with school events, field trips, and extracurricular activities.
- Help organize and participate in classroom celebrations and activities.
- Behavior Management:
- Implement classroom management strategies consistent with Positive Discipline and Restorative Justice framework.
- Support Learners in developing self-discipline and positive social interactions.
- Foster a nurturing and stimulating non-competitive environment
Education/Experience:
- Experience working with elementary-aged children and families in a group setting
- CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens certified or be willing to obtain
- Positive Discipline training, or willing to take
- Anti-biased/Anti-racist training, or willing to take
Desired Skills and Abilities:
- Strong communication skills with children and colleagues
- Strong decision-making skills to respond to risk management, emergencies, or difficult situations
- Ability and desire to support the classroom teacher and Learners
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally
Desired Behavioral Traits and Attitudes:
Team player, fun, outgoing, passionate, nurturing, organized, flexible, creative, resourceful, critical thinker, results-oriented, and self-motivated. Passionate about TNS's mission and environmentally concerned and aware.
Overview
The Nature School of Central Indiana is a Public Charter school located on the beautiful campus of Camp Belzer on Boy Scout Rd, Indianapolis.
The Nature School of Central Indiana is chartered through Trine University/Education1, and registered and recognized by the Indiana Department of Education as a public charter school. TNS is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is a non-sectarian, non-profit, corporation managed by a Board of Trustees.
The Nature School of Central Indiana does not discriminate in their educational programs, hiring, or activities on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, sexual identity, age, religion, ability or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.