1st- Grade Teaching Assistants K-5 (26-27 SY)

Challenge Preparatory Charter School • New York, NY

18h • $45,000 - $50,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Challenge Preparatory Charter School (Challenge Prep) is seeking 1st Grade Teaching Assistants for the 2026-2027 school year. Founded in 2010, Challenge Prep serves over 1200 students from Kindergarten to 12th grade across three sites in Far Rockaway, Queens. The school's mission is to prepare students for academic excellence, mastery of NY State Learning Standards, and career aspirations. Challenge fosters intellectual, aesthetic, social, emotional, and ethical development, preparing students to be responsible 21st-century citizens through a rigorous instructional program, a safe and supportive environment, technology integration, data-driven instruction, social-emotional learning, authentic field experiences, career counseling, and college coursework. All staff are expected to collaborate across sites to support all scholars.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• NYS Level 1 Teacher Assistant Certification required
• Classroom experience in an urban school setting preferred
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
• Commitment to and alignment with CPCS mission, vision, program goals, and curriculum
• Positive experience in taking the initiative, assuming accountability, and being productive
• Ability to adapt to unforeseen situations
• Ability to create a positive school culture that is welcoming, fun, and conducive to learning
• Willingness to integrate technology and/or media in the classroom
• Evidence of commitment to continuous professional growth
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with scholars, lead teacher, colleagues, parents/families
• Great communication and organizational skills
• Cool-tempered and positive attitude
• Firm but kind personality
• A love for teaching and the ability to build a trusting relationship with all stakeholders (scholars, colleagues, parents, community members)
• Flexibility

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with an associate’s degree and prior experience working with children may be considered if they demonstrate a trajectory in a teaching career (i.e. enrolled in a teacher certification program, enrolled in an alternative certification program, has had their experience assessed by TEACH, NYS Department of Education Office of Teaching Initiatives)

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers by preparing major subject area lesson plans
• Attend faculty meetings and parent conferences
• Prepare guided reading lesson plans
• Assume classroom responsibilities when the lead teacher is absent
• Responsible for Tier 3 instruction for scholars in MATH and Reading (Based on F&P) and i-Ready Data
• Provide guided reading instruction daily to groups of scholars who are Tier 3
• Monitor i-Ready weekly instruction and provide a weekly report to scholars and lead teacher each week
• Work with smaller groups of scholars for remedial teaching or reinforcing the learning process
• Participate in CST meetings to discuss progress of Tier 3 scholars
• Review and internalize lesson plans
• Understand and follow the components of the Danielson Framework of Teaching
• Set up necessary material for classes (e.g. technology, workstations, manipulative, etc.)
• Track scholar attendance and class schedules
• Escort and supervise scholars within the school building, on field trips and school activities
• Make sure classrooms are safe, neat, and orderly before classes start and throughout the day
• Assist teachers with various tasks, like grading assignments, recording anecdotals, and informing parents of their children’s progress
• Help scholars adjust, learn, and socialize and report to teachers about possible behavioral issues
• Remain up to date with school administrative requirements and learning methods
• Teach & lead their assigned class in the absence of the lead teacher
• In collaboration with the lead teacher, provide communication to families about their scholar
• Implement scholar goals and scholar plans (i.e. - IEP goals, Behavior Intervention Plans, etc.)
• Monitor lunch and recess
• Be on time for assigned posts such as cafeteria guard, hall monitor, etc.
• Ensure proven academic growth of scholars they supervise
• Respond to emails within 24 hours
• Any additional responsibilities assigned by Administration

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Paid time off
• Matching of retirement contributions up to 3%
• Comprehensive benefits package including four health plans to choose from
• Two dental plans
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care, and transit
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning
• Professional development: weekly PD, year-round trainings, and ongoing coaching by professionals

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level