Teaching Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Teaching Assistant

Academics West is searching for a Teaching Assistant for our Lower School. The ideal candidate is bright, energetic and motivated to help children with learning and emotional challenges. The applicant will be committed to learning and infusing our Clinically Informed Academics model. Preference is given to candidates who have prior experience in de-escalation strategies such as Crisis Prevention Intervention.

Start date : Immediate

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30AM to 2:30 PM

Academic West’s Teacher assistants’ primary function is to support the Head teacher in the Lower school in accomplishing classroom/lesson objectives. They support instructional activities by assisting and reinforcing learning concepts while providing behavioral and classroom management to promote a thriving classroom environment. These duties also include helping Lead Teachers with basic administrative tasks such as recording behavioral progress, progress reports, or recording grades. Additionally, they may consult with teachers on student performance, and may oversee students outside of the classroom during school events and/or related activities and respond to students who are exhibiting challenging behaviors.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Mark students after every period for the following: Taking attendance (absent, present, on-time). Marking students for appropriate in-class behavior (on-task, respectful, on-time). Completing the classroom cleaning checklist.
• Provide support with classroom management: Directing appropriate student classroom behaviors (e.g., sitting upright, feet on the ground, head up, awake, etc.) Providing reminders to students in a neutral tone when not engaging inappropriate behavior. Providing additional emotional support/attention to students (e.g., stepping outside to check-in with a student, offering a break, giving options to students providing solutions PRIOR to requesting on-call support.
• Providing academic support to accomplish lesson objectives.
• Being familiar with the Lead Teacher’s weekly lesson plans (e.g., to support in case of an absence/pull-out).
• Consulting with Lead Teacher on student performance through such actions as aiding with report writing, recording grades.
• Attending weekly school meetings and bi-weekly team meetings as requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and follow safety procedures.
• Understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Provide activities for children that encourage healthy growth.
• Provide a supportive and caring environment for students.
• Prepare instructional aids and plans.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree conferred or in process
• Strong Interest in working with children who have learning challenges
• Prior experience in early childhood and/or special education is strongly preferred.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention or other de-escalation strategies are preferred.

To Apply:

Email 1) a cover letter of interest stating how you learned of the position opening, 2) a current resume to Jeffrey Kassinove, Ph.D. ([email protected]).

The position will remain open until filled. All applications will be kept confidential, and receipt will be acknowledged via email