Job Description

Job Location: Lower School - San Jose, CA 95130
Position Type: Staff
Salary Range: $19.50 - $25.50 Hourly

The Harker School is full of possibilities for our students and our faculty. Harker is in the human potential business. Our mission is to bring out the best in our wonderful students in the academic, extracurricular, and personal domains. Harker is a vibrant place where hundreds of student activities, events, social gatherings, and renowned guest speakers foster a global perspective and form strong community bonds. It is where friends for life are made. We would love for you to join us!
The Harker School is currently searching for a full-time Enrichment and Academic Aide to join our Lower School team for the 2026 - 2027 school year. This engaging and energetic department is responsible for the students before school, during recesses and lunches, and after school when we provide a robust program of activities. The full-time role will also incorporate classroom-aiding responsibilities, supporting teaching and learning in an academic setting.
The Enrichment & Academic Aide, Lower School is a full-time, benefits-eligible position supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of Lower School students. This role combines classroom-based academic support with enrichment programming and student supervision, providing an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children throughout the school day.
We are seeking candidates who love working with children, are eager to learn, and have a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of students. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, dependable, collaborative, and committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and succeed.
The Enrichment & Academic Aide typically spends one to three instructional periods in the classroom during the morning and early afternoon, depending on the assigned schedule. During these periods, the Aide works closely with classroom teachers to reinforce instruction and provide individual or small-group academic support.
Outside of classroom instructional periods, the Aide plans and leads engaging, age-appropriate enrichment activities, supervises students, promotes student success, and helps build a positive and inclusive school community.
What You’ll Do
- Provide a safe, positive, and supportive environment for students.
- Support students academically through individual and small-group assistance.
- Collaborate with Lower School teachers to reinforce classroom instruction and student learning.
- Plan and lead engaging, age- and skill-appropriate enrichment activities.
- Supervise students and support their physical, social, and emotional well-being.
- Promote student success, self-esteem, independence, and positive decision-making.
- Build positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the broader school community.
- Serve as a positive adult role model for students.
- Contribute energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to the student experience.

Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- A genuine love of working with children and a desire to learn, grow, and make a difference.
- Previous experience working with children between the ages of 5–12 and/or relevant college coursework is preferred.
- Must meet applicable education and/or experience requirements for the position, including one of the following:
- - Completion of at least one year of college coursework;
- - Previous work experience at The Harker School; or
- - At least two years of experience working with children.
- Ability to provide a safe and supportive environment for children.
- Ability to engage students, promote student success, and develop positive relationships within the school community.
- Ability to plan, organize, and lead age-appropriate enrichment activities.
- Strong reading, writing, and numeracy skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and flexibly in both academic and enrichment settings.
- Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification within the first month of employment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise students activities and play, in a non-academic setting, typically outdoors.
- Ensure the physical and emotional safety of the children at all times.
- Provide a positive environment for students to learn and develop lifelong skills.
- Plan and implement developmentally-appropriate enrichment activities in an after school program.
- Ensure safe and efficient operations of loading zones during student arrival and dismissal times.
- Perform various tasks to fulfill the goals of the department, or needs of the students, staff, or families.
- Assist the teacher to promote student success.
- Work independently and with the teacher to meet the established goals of the class.
- Follow the class routines as directed by the teacher.
- Provide diligent supervision of students during assigned duties.
- Grade homework, quizzes, and tests and prepare class materials as needed.
- Set a good example for students and others including: punctuality, dress, language, attitude, and behavior.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to educate students for success at college and beyond, and to foster kindness, respect and integrity within a safe and nurturing environment. We achieve academic excellence through the development of intellectual curiosity, personal accountability and love of learning. Our comprehensive program and exceptional faculty and staff help students discover, develop and enjoy their unique talents. We honor individuality, embrace diversity, and promote leadership and service, preparing students to take their place as global citizens.

Compensation:
Pay for this position is determined according to The Harker School's established pay scale and is based on relevant education and experience, as evaluated by the Human Resources Department. The posted pay range reflects the full pay scale for this position. While the maximum rate is included for transparency, most new hires can expect to fall within the lower to middle portion of the pay scale based on their qualifications and experience.