The Principia·Des Peres, Missouri
Support the classroom teacher in delivering core subject lessons using workshop and integrated approaches. Assist with student behavior management, instructional scaffolding, and the implementation of character education.
Title: Lower School Assistant Teacher
Lower School Faculty; St. Louis, Missouri
Position Type: Full-time, school-year position
The Lower School Assistant Teacher works under the direction of the classroom teacher, to support the teaching of reading, writing, word study, mathematics, science, and social studies lessons within our curriculum frameworks, which follow a workshop approach as well as an integrated approach. The Assistant Teacher will help scaffold student learning for deep understanding and transfer of knowledge and support student behavior.
At our award-winning pre-K–12 school in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends.
At Principia School, our core value is LOVE [https://www.principiaschool.org/about/values].
Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach.
We focus on developing the whole child—intellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life.
We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities.
Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning.
Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment [https://www.principia.edu/debm] where everyone feels they belong and are valued.
Core Competencies
Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia:
Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.
Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.
Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.
Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.
Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.
Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.
Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.
The statements above describe the general nature and level of work, but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.
Compensation and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary range for this position beginning at $43,391 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.
In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.
Requires a Bachelor's degree in education, with a preference for elementary certification. Candidates should be supportive of the school's guiding statements and preferably be students of Christian Science.
Market context
In Missouri, teaching assistant roles often draw steady interest because schools and early childhood programs need candidates who can support classrooms for ages 0-5. These positions are competitive when applicants already have a CDA or early childhood college credits, plus CPR and First Aid certification and experience with young children. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your credentials and recent child-care experience before applying.