About Our Academy

Benton Harbor Charter School Academy believes that the most significant learning occurs where trust and love for one another are the foundation. As you enter the doors, you can feel the passion and caring community exude from the academy. Students, staff and parents are committed to a safe environment where all believe that students belong in the most rigorous studies and are destined for success.

A successful candidate for this position has:

• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
• The ability to build strong relationships with staff, students, and families to build trust and rapport within the school community.
• The willingness to be a humble change agent.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

About the role

To provide dedicated support to teachers and students in the classroom, assisting with various instructional activities and creating an inclusive learning environment. The Instructional Aide aims to facilitate student engagement and comprehension by offering individualized attention and reinforcing lesson concepts. Through collaboration with educators, the Instructional Aide seeks to contribute to the overall academic growth and success of students, promoting a positive and enriching educational experience for all.

What you'll do

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Assists the classroom teacher in preparing the classroom or laboratory for instruction.
• Helps the classroom teacher prepare and distribute lesson materials.
• Instructs students under supervision of the classroom teacher.
• Assists the classroom teacher in maintaining individual student records when asked.
• Assists the classroom teacher in keeping the classroom neat, clean and orderly to provide work and study areas conducive to learning.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the academy and the community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning, clarity of assignments, communicating an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and expression and student and classroom teacher experiences in large and small groups.

Classroom Management:

• Works cooperatively with parents' and generates guardians' confidence in the classroom teacher.
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
• Demonstrates genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal and student expectations.
• Promotes responsible citizenship through actions as a role model.
• Provides a classroom atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair and consistent practices, respect for individual children and development of responsible citizenship.

Student Enrollment & Retention:

• Shares responsibility for marketing the academy in the community.

Professional Development & Leadership:

• Participates in the development of policies and regulations that affect instruction and conditions of success.
• Shares responsibility for professional, cooperative staff relations and out-of-class activities important to the operation of the academy.
• Conducts himself or herself according to professional, ethical principles.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the academy.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the School Leader.

Facilities:

• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.
• Carries out other duties assigned by the school leader and Choice Schools Associates, L.L.C.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or obtain an associate's degree (or higher); or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment or successfully pass the ETS Parapro Assessment
• • Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or
  • Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
• Ability to communicate with students, staff and guardians in a professional manner.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Exemplary work habits verified by previous employers.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or valid state of Michigan Teaching Certificate.
• Knowledge of and skills working with at-risk students.
• Experience in an educational setting with school-age children.

Benton Harbor Charter School Academy (BHCSA) is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Scholar Model, BHCSA is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding scholar schools within the state. The Scholar Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.