Position Title: Educational Assistant / Teacher Assistant

Reports To: Assigned Kumu (Teacher), Poʻokumu (Principal), or Hope Poʻokumu (Vice Principal)

Classification: 10-month, Full-Time or Part-Time, Year-to-Year Appointment

Bargaining Unit: HGEA BU03 or as applicable

Introduction

At Nā Wai Ola Public Charter School, Educational Assistants (EAs) and Teacher Assistants (TAs) play a vital role in supporting our mission to nurture students as lifelong learners, rooted in Hawaiian culture and prepared to thrive globally. EAs/TAs work in close partnership with kumu (teachers), cultural leaders, and support staff to provide direct student support, facilitate inclusion, and contribute meaningfully to Hawaiian culture-based education.

This position operates in compliance with:

• HRS §302D (Hawaiʻi Charter School Law)
• Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules governing Special Education and Charter School operations
• IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, Title VI, and school-level policies and procedures
• Applicable collective bargaining unit agreements (HGEA, UPW)

Core Responsibilities

Instructional and Classroom Support

• Assist the kumu in the implementation of daily lessons, classroom routines, and project-based learning activities.
• Support students individually or in small groups under the direction of the kumu.
• Assist with classroom preparation, including setting up materials, displays, manipulatives, and supplies.
• Provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support in both general education and inclusion settings.
• Support implementation of accommodations and modifications as outlined in students’ IEPs or 504 plans, in compliance with IDEA and Section 504.
• Reinforce lessons using culturally relevant examples and school-approved instructional strategies.
• Supervise students during transitions, recess, meals, field trips, and other assigned times.

Required Participation in Hawaiian Culture-Based Education

Participation in schoolwide cultural practices and initiatives is a required and essential duty for all Nā Wai Ola staff.

All EAs/TAs shall:

• Participate in daily and ceremonial Hawaiian cultural protocols, including oli, pule, hoʻokupu, hoʻokipa, hōʻike, mālama ʻāina, makahiki, and lōkahi days.
• Model appropriate engagement in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and cultural practices during instruction and school events.
• Support and assist kumu during cultural lessons and school events, such as hōʻike, ʻohana nights, huakaʻi, and hoʻokupu ceremonies.
• Attend and participate in all cultural hālāwai (meetings), staff learning days, and cultural competency training sessions.
• Assist in preparing, setting up, or restoring spaces used for cultural ceremonies and activities.

Inclusive Student Support

• Provide physical, academic, and behavioral assistance to students with disabilities in accordance with their IEP or 504 Plan.
• Support the delivery of related services (e.g., speech, OT, PT) under licensed providers, as appropriate.
• Maintain awareness of each student’s learning and support needs; report observations to the kumu and/or designated service staff.
• Foster a safe and inclusive learning environment that reflects Nā Wai Ola’s commitment to equity, kuleana, and aloha.

Professional Responsibilities

• Follow assigned daily schedule and meet work expectations for punctuality, attendance, and reliability.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information in compliance with FERPA and school policies.
• Participate in all required school-based training, including but not limited to: safety drills, health protocols, mandated reporting, de-escalation, and data privacy.
• Support classroom and school operations, including clerical tasks, organizing supplies, and assisting with student documentation or portfolios.
• Serve as a positive role model for students by demonstrating respectful, honest, and culturally appropriate behavior.

Communication and Conduct

• Communicate respectfully with students, parents, kumu, and school staff using positive, professional language.
• Collaborate with kumu and school leadership to ensure clarity of role, daily responsibilities, and expectations.
• Accept feedback and supervision with a willingness to grow and improve.
• Uphold Nā Wai Ola’s school values of aloha, kuleana, pono, ʻohana, resilience, and respect.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all health and safety protocols, reporting any hazards or student concerns immediately to supervising staff or school administration.
• Participate in emergency drills, first aid training, and safety procedures as required.
• Maintain and use any safety equipment or protective gear (e.g., gloves, masks, radios) according to school policy.

Commitment to Nā Wai Ola PCS Mission and Vision

All Educational and Teacher Assistants are expected to:

• Support and actively contribute to the school’s mission to nurture student growth—intellectual, emotional, physical, and cultural.
• Assist the kumu in delivering a Hawaiian culture-based, inclusive, project-based education grounded in respect for land, language, and people.
• Embody and model the school’s vision of resilience, cultural identity, and global readiness for all haumāna.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s Degree, Associate’s Degree, or certificate with a minimum score of 459 on the ParaPro Assessment (Preferred)
• Experience working with children in an educational or childcare setting
• Eligibility determined by the Department of Education.

Must be ethical and honest. Must have excellent interpersonal, organizational, time management, follow-through, and oral and written communication skills. Must be extremely flexible and able to work independently. Must be knowledgeable and comfortable working with technology and software programs, and be able to acquire additional skills for use of software, databases, or other information systems as necessary.

Work Hours and Compensation

• Core hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with flexibility as needed for school operations
• Compensation based on experience and qualifications in accordance with HGEA Bargaining Unit agreements
• This is a year-to-year position, contingent upon funding and student enrollment

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $2,450.00 – $2,550.00 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person