Teaching Assistant at Exploration Elementary Charter School for Science & Tech – Rochester, New York

Position Summary
The Teaching Assistant assists the teacher in reinforcing the instruction and expectations taught in the classroom. This includes going over lessons with students individually or in small groups, answering questions, grading assignments, or providing students with feedback. The teacher assistant may be asked to supervise the students outside of the classroom on the playground, during specials, during bathroom breaks, at lunchtime, and on field trips.

Key Responsibilities
-Collaborate with classroom teachers on lesson plans/planning
-Work with individual students or groups of students requiring special instruction and interventions
-Work with classroom teachers to identify information about specific students in order to develop appropriate teaching plans and learning experiences for students
-Assist in the preparation of instructional resources and aid students in the use of these resources
-Provides and effectively plans for the prevention and management of student crises by utilizing intervention techniques in accordance with school-wide and individual student plans.
-Work with classroom teachers to instruct students in areas such as remedial reading, remedial math, and life skills.
-Provides direct classroom instruction in the event of a teacher’s absence
-Maintains communication with families regarding the progress of students as directed by the classroom teacher.
-Help to proctor and supervise students during testing assessments
-Use feedback to update individual student goals for achievement
-Monitor and support students in the cafeteria during student lunch duty
-Monitor and support students during transition times, bathroom breaks, recess time, bus arrival, and afternoon dismissal as assigned
-Participate in parent-teacher conferences as requested by classroom teachers
-Enforce school rules and policies with students at all times
-Attend staff meetings, professional development, and training sessions as required
-Fulfill all outlined and related functions professionally, timely, and thoroughly
-Attends quarterly family nights as scheduled
-Regularly use Google for calendaring, email communication, and accessing important documents

Requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
-Experience working with elementary-aged students
-Commitment to educational equity and supporting diverse learners.
-Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students
-Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
-Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents/guardians.
-Ability to engage in self-evaluation and self-reflection regarding performance and professional growth.
-Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Education
-High school diploma or equivalent required
-Associates degree in education or related field preferred

Certification
-Valid Teacher Assistant Certification
-Certification in child first aid and CPR preferred

Experience
-Prior experience with high need students in an urban public school or charter school prioritized
-Experience working with a culturally and ethnically diverse population is strongly desired.