Teacher Aide - Hourly

Saint Michael Parish School is seeking a caring, dependable, and collaborative Para-Professional to support our three-classroom Kindergarten program for the 2026–2027 school year.

The Kindergarten Para-Professional works collaboratively with all three Kindergarten teachers to support the spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and academic growth of students across the Kindergarten program. Rather than being assigned to a single classroom, the Para-Professional provides flexible support where it is most needed throughout the school day, including whole-class activities, small-group instruction, individual student support, transitions, recess, and daily classroom routines.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with young children, understands the importance of meeting students where they are in their learning, and is able to build positive relationships with students and teachers across multiple classrooms. This position requires flexibility, initiative, strong communication skills, and a team-oriented approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the three Kindergarten teachers to provide consistent support across the Kindergarten program.
• Assist teachers in implementing lessons, instructional activities, learning centers, and classroom routines.
• Provide one-on-one and small-group instructional support under the direction of the Kindergarten teachers.
• Support differentiated instruction and accommodations to meet a variety of student learning needs.
• Work flexibly among the three Kindergarten classrooms based on instructional needs, student needs, and the daily schedule.
• Reinforce classroom expectations, routines, and positive behavior strategies.
• Help students develop independence, responsibility, self-regulation, and positive relationships with peers.
• Prepare instructional materials and organize classroom resources as needed.
• Assist with classroom projects, centers, hands-on learning experiences, and special activities.
• Provide consistent, active supervision during student recess periods. Recess is considered an essential part of student learning, development, and well-being and provides important opportunities for physical activity, self-regulation, social development, problem-solving, and positive peer interaction.
• Actively engage in recess supervision by maintaining appropriate visibility, monitoring student safety and behavior, supporting positive interactions, helping students navigate peer conflicts when appropriate, and reinforcing school expectations.
• Provide supervision and support during transitions, specialist classes, lunch, and other school activities as assigned.
• Assist students with age-appropriate personal and practical needs when necessary.
• Help maintain organized, welcoming, clean, and safe learning environments.
• Observe student needs and communicate relevant information to the appropriate classroom teacher.
• Support a Kindergarten culture in which every student is known, valued, and treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
• Support and model the Catholic identity, mission, and values of Saint Michael Parish School.
• Participate with students in daily prayer, school Masses, religious activities, service opportunities, and liturgical celebrations.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding students, families, and school matters.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with teachers, staff, students, and families.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Kindergarten program and school community.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 3:30pm, in accordance with the Saint Michael Parish School calendar.

About Saint Michael Parish School

Saint Michael Parish School is a PreK–8 Catholic school and ministry of Saint Michael Parish in Olympia, Washington. Our faculty and staff are committed to educating the whole child and creating a Catholic community in which students are known, loved, challenged, and supported as they grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our Mission

Saint Michael Parish School exists to provide a Catholic education committed to the mission of Saint Michael Parish, excellence in teaching and learning, and the continual spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and aesthetic growth of all.

Our Philosophy

Saint Michael Parish School is a ministry of Saint Michael Parish. We strive to empower leaders who live the Gospel message, fulfill our mission, and:

• Create a Catholic community of disciples who are committed to growing, worshiping, serving, giving, connecting, and sharing.
• Provide excellence in a student-centered academic program that supports parents as primary educators and teachers as facilitators of learning.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working with young children, preferably in a school or educational setting.
• Experience working with Kindergarten or early elementary students preferred.
• Basic understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple teachers and adapt to changing needs throughout the school day.
• Ability to follow teacher direction while also demonstrating initiative and good judgment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Patience, flexibility, dependability, compassion, and a positive approach to working with students.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Understanding of and respect for the teachings, mission, and values of the Catholic Church and Catholic education.
• Practicing Catholic preferred but not required.

Physical and Professional Expectations

The Kindergarten Para-Professional must be able to actively participate in the daily life of a Kindergarten program. This includes standing and walking for extended periods, sitting on the floor or at student-level tables, moving regularly between classrooms, assisting with classroom materials and equipment, and responding promptly to student needs.

Outdoor recess supervision is an essential function of this position. The Para-Professional must be able to actively supervise students outdoors in a variety of typical weather conditions and move throughout designated play areas to maintain appropriate supervision and respond to student needs.

All employees of Saint Michael Parish School are expected to comply with Archdiocese of Seattle Safe Environment requirements and all applicable school and Archdiocesan policies.

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.