Elementary Special Education Teaching Assistant (SY 26-27)

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School • Newark, NJ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is seeking a mission-aligned Special Education Teaching Assistant to support students with disabilities in accessing rigorous, inclusive instruction and making academic and behavioral progress. Teaching Assistants are members of the instructional and student support team, providing targeted academic intervention, behavioral support, and progress monitoring through push-in, small-group, and individualized assistance aligned with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and behavior plans. The role supports the school’s mission by helping students with exceptional needs receive consistent, data-driven support in the least restrictive environment.

The Teaching Assistant provides academic and behavioral support, tracks student progress, assists with classroom routines, and collaborates with teachers and student support staff. The position reports to the Associate Director of Student Support Services or School Director and receives coaching and collaboration from Special Educators, BCBAs, Social Workers, and ADSS leaders. Participation in professional development, observation, and feedback cycles is expected.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree from an accredited institution or a passing score on the Paraprofessional (ParaPro) Exam.
• Actively working toward a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
• Strong belief that all students can achieve at high levels.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to student success, equity, and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
• Training or coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential.
• New Jersey Substitute Certification.
• Experience working with students with Emotional Regulation Impairments, autism, or behavioral needs.
• Experience tracking academic or behavioral data to support intervention plans.
• Prior experience in a school or urban education setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide push-in and small-group academic support in general and special education settings.
• Deliver pre-teaching and reteaching to reinforce instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and other content areas.
• Support implementation of IEP accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction as directed by certified staff.
• Reinforce taught skills through guided practice, review, and tutoring activities.
• Help students develop organization, study skills, and independent learning behaviors.
• Implement behavior intervention plans and classroom behavior systems with fidelity.
• Provide positive reinforcement, de-escalation support, and social-emotional coaching.
• Support students with Emotional Regulation Impairments and other behavioral needs in maintaining engagement and safety.
• Assist with social skills practice and appropriate peer interactions.
• Collect and record academic and behavioral data aligned with IEP goals and behavior plans.
• Maintain daily tracking sheets, intervention logs, and progress-monitoring documentation.
• Share data with teachers and support staff to inform instructional and behavioral decisions.
• Assist with materials and documentation for IEP meetings and progress reports as requested.
• Support classroom management, routines, and transitions to maximize instructional time.
• Provide one-to-one or small-group assistance based on student need and IEP requirements.
• Supervise students in hallways, lunch, specials, and other school settings when assigned.
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff to maintain a safe, inclusive, student-centered learning environment.
• Participate in professional development, coaching, and team meetings.
• Implement feedback from teachers, ADSS, BCBAs, and related service providers.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in student interactions and records.
• Demonstrate commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with comprehensive network coverage.
• Student loan and tuition reimbursement.
• Reimbursements for external professional development aligned to the role.
• Wellness reimbursements, including gym memberships and spa services.
• Online counseling services for staff and their dependents via a therapy app.
• Pre-tax state pension plan benefit, with additional options available through voluntary retirement plans.
• Pre-tax dependent care, health, and transit flexible spending plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree