One-to-One Elementary Teacher Assistant – French & English Speaking

Role Overview

This temporary role places you as the consistent, dedicated adult helping an elementary student navigate a new school, a new language, and a new set of routines. Each day you will sit beside the student during lessons, translate and re-explain material in French when needed, and gently encourage English use so the child can participate with growing confidence. Working in close partnership with teachers and the family, your ultimate aim is to make yourself less necessary over time as the student becomes more independent and comfortable in the English-speaking environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide attentive, one-to-one support during all parts of the school day, including classes, group activities, transitions, and breaks.
• Clarify instructions, assignments, and academic concepts by offering explanations in French and then supporting the student's gradual use of English.
• Act as an interpreter during conversations between the student, teachers, and peers whenever language barriers arise.
• Reinforce classroom lessons with additional practice, repetition, or simplified examples tailored to the student's current level of understanding.
• Help the student build practical English vocabulary and communication skills through natural, age-appropriate conversation and feedback.
• Support social-emotional adjustment by modeling positive interactions, encouraging participation, and helping the student form friendships.
• Assist with organization, time management, and moving smoothly between classes or activities to reduce anxiety and build routine.
• Maintain open communication with classroom teachers about the student's progress, challenges, and achievements, while strictly following confidentiality and child-safeguarding policies.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Full professional fluency in both French and English, with excellent verbal communication in each language.
• Demonstrated experience working with elementary-aged children in a teaching, tutoring, learning-support, EAL/ESL, or similar educational capacity.
• A patient, compassionate, and flexible approach, with the ability to adapt quickly as a child's mood, energy, and learning needs shift throughout the day.
• Skill in explaining academic material in ways that are developmentally appropriate and easy for a young learner to grasp.
• A clear understanding that translation is a temporary support tool, not a permanent crutch, and a commitment to gradually shifting the student toward English independence.
• Comfort collaborating with classroom teachers, support staff, and parents as part of a shared student-support team.
• Strong organizational skills, reliability, professionalism, and the ability to respond calmly and promptly to unexpected needs.
• Preferred: a teaching qualification or education degree, formal EAL/ESL training, learning-support experience, or prior experience helping multilingual students succeed in an international school setting.

What We Offer / Why Join

This is a chance to play a pivotal role in a child's education at a moment of significant change, providing support that directly influences both academic progress and emotional well-being. The position starts as soon as possible and runs through December 2026, with the possibility of extending beyond that date depending on the student's evolving needs and how well the arrangement works for everyone involved. You will gain valuable experience in language-acquisition support and inclusive education while working within a collaborative school environment focused on student success.