Listen to Lemberg parents
"I like that Lemberg has so many student TAs, so that sometimes it's almost a one-on-one learning environment."
— K.F., Cambridge
Listen to Lemberg parents
"What makes Lemberg unique are the TAs. They really demonstrate their love and enthusiasm for the kids."
— L.T., Weston
Teaching Assistants
Teaching assistants are a vital part of the Lemberg Children's Center.
The professional staff at the Center is supplemented by teaching assistants (TAs): student teachers from Brandeis and other colleges who are completing their degrees in early childhood education, Brandeis federally sponsored work-study students, developmental psychology students and volunteers. Volunteers may be college students, high school students or local residents.
Before being selected to work with children, all TAs are interviewed and screened by the professional staff. They then work a training period under the direct supervision of the head teachers before they are formally hired and scheduled on a regular basis. TAs attend seminars, daily planning meetings, evening workshops, and receive on-the-job training and supervision. They are encouraged to question our methods, suggest ideas and speak openly with the director and head teachers.
As TAs learn and grow in their jobs they begin to take responsibility for small groups of children and plan and supervise small group activities. They also help supervise the playground prepare snacks, and assist in larger group activities. Each TA works between four and 35 hours per week with one head teacher and one group of children. TAs may remain with our program for several years. This provides them with extensive experience with young children and has led to several careers in early childhood education.
TAs are a vital part of our program. They have very diverse backgrounds, often reflecting the diversity of our children. Most speak second languages in addition to English. They have lived all over the world. They are very bright, creative and talented people. Many are accomplished musicians and artists. TAs enjoy young children and provide positive experiences for them. The children frequently develop significant relationships with them.