Teaching assistants are essential members of the Sacred Heart community.  They not only form a special bond with their lead teacher, but also participate in all school activities as full faculty members.  Their energy, enthusiasm and new ideas are greatly valued at our schools.

At Stuart Hall for Boys and Convent Elementary, we strive to educate the whole child.  We embrace the philosophy of a Sacred Heart education which is clearly outlined in the School's Five Goals:

                                                -    To educate to a personal and active faith in God
                                                -    To educate to a deep respect for intellectual values
                                                -    To educate to a social awareness that impels to action
                                                -    To educate to the building of community as a Christian value
                                                -    To educate to personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom

The primary purpose of the Assistant Program is to support our lead teachers in fulfilling these five goals.  In addition, the Program provides a learning opportunity for men and women interested in becoming educators.

The teaching assistant Program is a three year program that familiarizes the assistant with theoretical and practical aspects of classroom teaching.  Assistants are assigned to a grade and section each fall and are partnered with a lead teacher who monitors his/her learning and performance. Assistants are now placed in grades K - 4 and art.  They have the option to reapply once their three year term is complete, but are not guaranteed placement.  Contracts are reassessed and renewed (if appropriate) yearly.

Under the guidance of the lead teacher and through meetings and workshops designed specifically for our assistants, assistants develop these important skills:

                                                -    building relationships with students
                                                -    observing, assessing and supervising students
                                                -    previewing and selecting curricular materials
                                                -    developing appropriate and successful teaching methods
                                                -    planning and implementing lessons
                                                -    managing students and classrooms
                                                -    conferencing and writing reports
                                                -    job searching and portfolio/resume development

Teaching assistants are expected to attend all faculty meetings and periodic pedagogical workshops given on campus.  They are also encouraged to take advantage of off campus opportunities for professional growth.  Release time and funds are available for approved workshops.  A detailed Teaching assistant Handbook outlines all responsibilities and guidelines.  When applying for a position, please ask for a copy to preview these specifics.  We begin accepting applications in January.  Candidates are invited for an interview in March and April.  Hiring is usually completed by May or June.

Yearly contracts for all new assistants begin at the end of August.  A New Teachers' Orientation will be held at this time, in addition to an Assistant Meeting.  All new hires are expected to attend both. Assistants should be available to their lead teachers prior to the start of school to assist with classroom preparations etc.
 

If you have Adobe Acrobat Reader, feel free to download and print an application.  If you are unable to do this, please e-mail

Teaching assistant Coordinator at Stuart Hall - Zoe Ley (ley@sacredsf.org)
Teaching assistant Coordinator at Convent Elementary - Mimi MacArthur (macarthur@sacredsf.org)

Thanks for your interest in our program.