Early Years Teacher Assistant

About Our School

The Metropolitan School of Panama is a leading international school located in Panama City, serving students from Early Childhood 3 through Grade 12. With approximately 800 students representing over 45 nationalities and a team of more than 120 internationally experienced educators, our community is diverse, dynamic, and globally minded.

Founded in 2011, the school was established with a clear vision to provide an exceptional education through outstanding teaching, small class sizes, and a supportive, inspiring environment where every student can thrive academically and personally.

LOCATION: Metropolitan School of Panama (MET)

DEPARTMENT: Elementary School

REPORTING TO: Elementary School Principal

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Homeroom Teachers, Specialist Teachers, Students, Parents, and School Leadership Team

JOB PURPOSE

The Eary Years School Teaching Assistant supports the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning by working collaboratively with classroom teachers to create a safe, inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environment.

The role involves assisting with classroom activities, supporting individual and small-group learning, preparing educational resources, supervising students, and contributing to their academic, social, and emotional development.

The Teaching Assistant is expected to demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and a strong commitment to student wellbeing, safeguarding, and the values and educational philosophy of Metropolitan School of Panama.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Teaching and Learning Support

• Support the Homeroom Teacher in delivering engaging, inclusive, and differentiated learning experiences.
• Assist students individually and in small groups, following instructional guidance and learning objectives established by the teacher.
• Reinforce classroom learning activities and provide appropriate academic support based on individual student needs.
• Support students in developing independence, confidence, positive learning habits, and appropriate classroom behavior.
• Assist teachers with classroom assessments, observations, and student record keeping as directed.
• Help maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages student participation and engagement.
• Provide additional support to students requiring differentiated instruction or individualized learning strategies, under the direction of the teacher.
• Assist with school trips, educational activities, special events, and extracurricular programs as required.

2. Classroom Organization and Preparation

• Assist teachers in preparing instructional materials, classroom resources, and learning activities.
• Organize and maintain classroom supplies, equipment, and educational resources.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of classroom displays and student work.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Ensure learning materials are available and prepared in advance to support daily teaching activities.
• Assist with routine administrative and classroom tasks as assigned by the Homeroom Teacher.
• Support classroom transitions and daily routines to ensure an efficient and productive learning environment.

3. Student Supervision, Wellbeing, and Safeguarding

• Promote a safe, respectful, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all students.
• Actively supervise students during classroom activities, recess, transitions, school events, and other assigned duties.
• Remain attentive to potential risks and respond appropriately to situations affecting student safety and wellbeing.
• Follow all school safeguarding policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Immediately report safeguarding concerns or inappropriate incidents to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), following established procedures.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students at all times.
• Support the implementation of emergency response procedures, including evacuations and other school safety protocols.
• Demonstrate awareness of students' emotional, social, and developmental needs.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student and family information.

4. Collaboration and Communication

• Work collaboratively with Homeroom Teachers, Specialist Teachers, and other members of the Elementary School team.
• Maintain clear, respectful, and professional communication with colleagues, students, and families.
• Follow the teacher's guidance regarding classroom instruction, student support, and communication with parents.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative and supportive school culture.
• Participate in school activities, meetings, professional development sessions, and events as required.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to support other classrooms or colleagues when operational needs arise.
• Promote positive relationships within the school community while respecting established communication channels.

5. Professional Conduct and Development

• Demonstrate high standards of professionalism, integrity, punctuality, attendance, and personal presentation.
• Comply with the school's Staff Handbook, Code of Conduct, and all applicable institutional policies.
• Participate in annual performance reviews and work toward agreed professional development objectives.
• Complete mandatory training through Nord Anglia University (NAU), including Safeguarding training and other required compliance courses.
• Actively seek opportunities to improve professional knowledge, classroom support strategies, and educational practices.
• Demonstrate initiative, accountability, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Represent Metropolitan School of Panama positively and professionally in all interactions with the school community.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Good command of spoken and written English.
• Previous experience working with children in educational, childcare, or similar environments.
• Ability to support classroom instruction and student learning activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Basic proficiency in information technology and digital tools.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to student safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional conduct.

Desirable:

• Studies or qualifications in Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, or a related field.
• Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant in an elementary or international school environment.
• Familiarity with inquiry-based learning and student-centered teaching approaches.
• Experience supporting students with diverse learning needs.
• Knowledge of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to establish positive and professional relationships with students and colleagues.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently when appropriate.
• Proactive approach to identifying classroom needs and providing support.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and adapt to changing priorities.
• Patience, empathy, and sensitivity to children's individual needs.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• High standards of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional improvement.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

Metropolitan School of Panama is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to share this commitment.