Teacher Assistant

WESTCHESTER SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL CHIL • North Salem, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant will provide direct assistance to the classroom teacher in all areas of the daily classroom routine. This role requires the ability to supervise a classroom group by implementing the teacher's lesson plan and schedule, even in the teacher's absence. The assistant must be familiar with all aspects of the classroom routine and the special needs of individual children. Responsibilities include conducting small groups and working with individual children on specific goals, as well as supervising classroom aides in various programs like toileting, playground, and lunch. The assistant must be able to react quickly and appropriately to emergency situations. Additional duties may be assigned at the discretion of the teacher, in cooperation with classroom schedules and with the acceptance of the Teaching Assistant. Inclusion in parent conferences may also be considered.

Requirements

• Hold at least a high school diploma.
• Have or be eligible for a New York State Level One (1) Teaching Assistant Certificate.
• Pursue Teaching Assistant Certification as soon as possible if not already holding one, and show evidence upon request.
• Achieve Level Three (3) Teaching Assistant Certification and maintain it with Professional Development every five (5) years through the New York State Education Department.
• Possess working knowledge of computers, the Internet, and Microsoft Word.
• Demonstrate Active Listening skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision (Autonomy).
• Ability to accept responsibility and account for actions (Accountability).
• Ability to adapt to change in the workplace (Adaptability).
• Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem (Analytical Skills).
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly (Accuracy).
• Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word (Communication, Oral).
• Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely (Communication, Written).
• Ability to appreciate and be sensitive to the feelings of others (Empathetic).
• Ability to work at a sustained pace and produce quality work (Energetic).
• Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards (Ethical).
• Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace (Honesty / Integrity).
• Ability to inspire oneself and others to reach a goal and/or perform to the best of their ability (Motivation).
• Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one’s conduct (Responsible).

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with developmentally disabled children in an educational or recreational setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct assistance to the classroom teacher in all areas of the daily classroom routine.
• Supervise a classroom group by implementing the teacher's lesson plan and schedule in the absence of the teacher.
• Conduct small groups during scheduled activities and work with individual children on specific goals.
• Work with and supervise classroom aides in toileting procedures, playground programs, lunch programs, and the arrival and departure of students.
• React quickly and appropriately to emergency situations such as accidents or illness.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the teacher, in cooperation with classroom schedules and with the acceptance of the Teaching Assistant.
• Participate in parent conferences when appropriate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees