Makerspace Educational Assistant - Abraar Elementary

JOB SUMMARY Educational Assistants (EAs) are integral members of the school’s educational team, providing essential support that contributes to student success. They assist homeroom teachers in instructional duties, working under the supervision of the Vice Principal and following directions from the homeroom teacher to support individual and group learning. Abraar Elementary School is seeking an innovative, passionate, and organized Educational Assistant for their Makerspace to assist with and coordinate engaging, hands-on learning experiences in our STEAM Makerspace. This creative space is dedicated to experimental, project-based learning that enhances and enriches the Ontario Curriculum with a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) with an Islamic foundation. The EA for Makerspace will assist in designing, facilitating, and supporting student-centered activities with homeroom teachers that foster curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. From coding and robotics to simple machines and creative design challenges, the Makerspace EA will help students bring theory to life through meaningful, real-world problem solving. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Makerspace EA will perform a range of tasks, including but not limited to: 1. Program Development & Facilitation 1. Assist in the design of workshops, classes, and open lab sessions in areas such as 3D printing, robotics, electronics, coding, textiles, and design thinking. 2. Develop inclusive, age-appropriate curriculum and project ideas that align with STEAM principles and user interests and the Ontario Curriculum. 3. Align Makerspace Activities with the Tarbiyah framework. 2. Space & Equipment Management 1. Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organized Makerspace environment. 2. Monitor and maintain all tools, equipment, and materials, including troubleshooting and performing basic repairs. 3. Ensure safety protocols are followed and users are properly trained on equipment. 3. Community Engagement 1. Inspire and support a diverse community of makers, including students, educators, families, etc. 2. Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful space. 3. Organize showcases, exhibitions, or events to celebrate school projects and innovations. 4. Administrative & Strategic Tasks 1. Track usage data, inventory, and budgets. 2. Collaborate with staff to integrate makerspace experiences into larger programs or curriculum 3. Research and recommend new tools, materials, and emerging technologies. 4. Plan for teachers best suited times for each activity and help maintain Master Calendar 5. Communicate plans of activities with staff in advance with details, requirements, etc. 6. Obtain feedback from teachers regarding activities 7. Ensure budget is used effectively and efficiently 8. Track expenditures using an on-going spreadsheet 9. Manage database of pictures/videos for marketing purposes 10. Attract sponsors and fundraising for Makerspace resources and activities. 5. Other Tasks 1. Assisting in workshops and laboratories. 2. Supporting student supervision. 3. Preparing and organizing teaching materials for Makespace activities. 4. Supporting teachers in achieving instructional, social, behavioral, and spiritual goals. 5. Attending to students' physical needs. 6. Performing additional support duties as needed. WORK SCHEDULE The EA’s schedule is determined by the administration based on school requirements. Start and finish times, as well as lunch breaks, may vary depending on the specific needs of the program. PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS Performance evaluations will be conducted at the end of Term 1 and Term 3 by the Vice Principal/Administrator. The following categories outline key expectations for EAs: 1. ISLAMIC UNDERSTANDING, BEHAVIOR, AND CONTRIBUTION * Adheres to the Islamic dress code as outlined in the Employment Contract. * Demonstrates appropriate Islamic behavior and attitude within the school community. * Respects diverse Fiqh opinions while maintaining a balanced understanding of Islam. * Contributes to the school’s Islamic environment. * Supports the school's mission of Islamic education. 2. PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR * Fosters a respectful atmosphere for students and staff. * Maintains ethical conduct and confidentiality. * Manages time effectively with minimal supervision. * Demonstrates responsibility in attendance and scheduling. * Resolves conflicts professionally, escalating concerns when necessary. * Participates in school activities and contributes positively to the school environment. 3. RAPPORT WITH STUDENTS * Engages students with enthusiasm. * Demonstrates patience and understanding. * Encourages student independence. * Treats students fairly, respecting their physical, social, psychological, and spiritual development. * Maintains cooperative relationships with students. * Responds appropriately to student interactions. 4. TEAM SUPPORT * Collaborates effectively within school teams. * Communicates professionally with staff, administrators, and parents. * Shares relevant information in meetings and conferences. * Uses established communication systems (e.g., logs, reports) for monitoring and discussion. * Engages with parents as directed by the homeroom teacher. 5. INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT * Assists students with classwork, reinforcing lessons taught by the teacher. * Monitors independent and small-group learning activities. * Conducts reading and listening exercises. * Provides instructional support when needed. * Adjusts materials according to teacher guidance. * Assists students in achieving academic goals. * Maintains student records as directed. * Ensures a safe and supportive learning environment. 6. SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT * Implements consistent behavioral expectations. * Provides feedback and reinforcement based on the teacher’s classroom management plan. * Encourages positive behaviors and redirects inappropriate conduct. * Supports peer cooperation and teamwork among students. * Assists in monitoring disciplinary measures. * Maintains student behavior records as required. 7. NON-INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT * Prepares instructional materials such as games, posters, and booklets. * Designs bulletin board displays. * Assists with clerical tasks (e.g., copying, recording, emailing). * Provides supervision during recess, lunch, and bus duty. * Assists with students' physical needs (e.g., feeding, mobility, dressing). * Administers medication as needed, following school policy. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Candidates must meet the following requirements: * Education: * Minimum: High school diploma with completion of an approved training course in the field. * Preferred: Degree or diploma in Education, Engineering, Art/Design, Computer Science, or a related field. * Experience: * Minimum: Prior experience working with children or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Ability to troubleshoot and maintain technical equipment. * Preferred: Experience working with fabrication tools and maker technologies (e.g., 3D printers, laser cutters, microcontrollers like Arduino/Raspberry Pi, etc.). Experience teaching or mentoring learners of different ages and abilities. * Additional Skills: * Proficient in computers and computer software is essential. * Specific special skills or training may be required. * Creative problem-solving and project planning abilities. * Preferred Qualifications & Skills * Knowledge of design thinking, project-based learning, or inquiry-based education. * First Aid certification and familiarity with safety standards for tool use. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT MAC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all, without discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or any other protected status. Accommodations are available upon request during the hiring process.

The Makerspace Educational Assistant will design and facilitate hands-on STEAM activities while maintaining the school's makerspace equipment and environment. They will also provide instructional and behavioral support to students in alignment with the school's curriculum and Islamic framework.

Candidates must have at least a high school diploma with an approved training course, with a degree in education or a technical field preferred. Experience working with children and technical proficiency in maker technologies like robotics and 3D printing are required.

• CommunicationPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• STEAM education
• Robotics
• Coding
• 3D printing
• Design thinking
• Project-based learning
• Curriculum development
• Classroom management
• Technical troubleshooting
• Student supervision
• Collaboration
• Critical thinking
• Equipment maintenance
• Instructional support
• Communication
• Small Group Instruction
• Microcontrollers
• Classroom Management
• Creative Design
• Patience
• Islamic Education
• Curiosity
• First Aid Certification
• Emerging Technologies
• Student Record Maintenance
• Ethical Standards And Conduct
• Working With Children
• Program Development
• Research
• Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
• Arduino
• Teaching
• Telecommunications
• Management
• Spreadsheets
• Clerical Works
• Textiles
• Computer Science
• Confidentiality
• Fundraising
• Cooperation
• Creativity
• Creative Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Design Thinking
• Project Planning
• Electronics
• Marketing
• Psychology
• Innovation

• Education
• Technology
• Engineering
• Art & Design
• Administrative
• Educational Assistant
• Teacher Assistant
• Teachers' Aides
• Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
• Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary

Minimum education

High school

Minimum experience

0+ years

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week