Teacher Aide (Elementary)

Pennsylvania School For The Deaf • Philadelphia, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Aide supports teachers and students in maintaining an effective, positive learning environment. Under the direction of teachers, the aide provides individualized or small-group support, tutoring, storytelling, prepares instructional materials, and performs other tasks that contribute to the educational program. Aides collaborate with teachers, staff, and students to promote engagement, learning, and student success.

The role varies by student age group. Preschool aides support play-based learning and daily classroom activities and may substitute for the teacher. Elementary aides accompany students to special classes such as art and PE, assist with transitions, support individual or small-group learning, and may substitute for the teacher. Middle and high school aides work across multiple classes within a department, support teachers, run small groups, and may substitute across the department. Transition aides provide individualized support for students’ career, life-skills, and post-secondary goals; assist with routines, community-based learning, experiential activities, and off-campus job coaching; and support small-group instruction aligned with IEP goals.

This is a full-time, FLSA-non-exempt, 10-month union position reporting to the Principal. The work is primarily in classrooms with students of varying ages and abilities, with possible supervision duties outdoors and during field trips, lunch, and recess. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for school events, meetings, or professional development.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• American Sign Language proficiency at Level 2+ (ASLPI) or above.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with teachers, staff, and students.
• Ability to follow instructions, support classroom routines, and adapt to the needs of diverse learners.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing classroom needs.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills in supporting students and classroom activities.
• Ability to maintain patience, flexibility, and professionalism in a dynamic learning environment.
• Attention to detail when following instructional plans, maintaining student records, and ensuring safety protocols.
• Ability to sit, stand, or move around classrooms and the school campus for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, or assist students or instructional materials weighing up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Ability to escort or accompany students safely between locations.
• Manual dexterity for handling instructional materials, classroom technology, and supplies.
• Visual and auditory ability to observe and respond to student needs and classroom activities.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Advanced American Sign Language proficiency.
• Previous experience in an educational setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in implementing instructional plans and classroom activities.
• Support the preparation and use of instructional materials to maintain a positive and productive learning environment.
• Provide meaningful and interactive learning experiences for students under the direction of the teacher.
• Offer individualized or small-group support to promote students’ academic, social, and developmental growth.
• Substitute for teachers when needed, ensuring continuity of instruction and classroom management.
• Supervise students during non-classroom activities, including transitions, field trips, lunch, and recess.
• Participate in team, cluster, and school-wide meetings to support instructional planning and monitor student progress.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to meet Paraeducator standards and enhance instructional support skills.
• Model the school’s core values—Students 1st, Language, Respect, Communication, and Community Engagement—in interactions, decisions, and professional responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support student learning and the educational program.
• Implement the school’s prescribed interventions for behavior, classroom management, and student engagement.
• For transition students, assist with daily routines, community-based learning, experiential activities, and off-campus job-coaching opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED