Teacher Assistant

South Kingstown Public Schools•Wakefield, RI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

South Kingstown Schools is an excellent place for educators seeking to work in an environment where their skills and abilities are supported, innovation and creativity are honored, and teachers and leaders are committed to a vision of high expectations for all. The district seeks a highly qualified and knowledgeable Teaching Assistant (TA) to join our community of practitioners. This is an exciting opportunity for an educator who wishes to serve in a school community committed to excellence, closing the achievement gap, equity, and a commitment to a love of learning. Job Goals: Assists the instructional staff in implementing plans and programs related to the academic or a specialized area to which assigned; performs various non-instructional tasks in direct support of the teaching-learning process. Assists in supervising students in the classroom and at various locations on the school grounds. The job involves working directly with students individually or in small groups to reinforce subjects introduced by the teacher, in addition to working with the school staff to create an educational environment that meets the needs of all students by providing supervision, instructional assistance, classroom support, and other direct services to students. The work of a TA is planned and implemented under the direction of the principal and the professional staff.

Requirements

High School Diploma or general equivalency or Associate’s Degree or higher
Successfully pass the ParaPro Assessment OR Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education OR Completion of a Teacher Assistant Pre-Employment Training Program approved by the RI Department of Education (RIDE) or obtain an Associate’s Degree or higher
Maintain confidentiality
Work with children in a sensitive and effective manner
Analyze, communicate, and use interpersonal skills.
Readily learn assigned duties and adhere to classroom/student procedures
Maintain accurate and complete records and files required by law, district policy, and procedures.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures.
Operate office/school equipment.
Work as a collegial partner with other professionals
Consistently follow established procedures and protocols
Implement SafetyCares techniques after appropriate training when required
Implement behavior management techniques after appropriate training (when required)
Implement Job Coaching after appropriate training (when required)
Take initiative and be proactive
Understand specific disabilities of the students with whom the employee will be working
Exhibits interpersonal skills with students and adults to help create and maintain a positive learning environment.
Willingness to learn and implement instructional methods, strategies, and techniques to assist teachers in the education of students
Ability to exercise considerable patience, courtesy, tact, and good judgment in working with students, teachers, administrators, fellow employees, and parents
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations
Ability to employ a variety of teaching styles to respond to the needs of diverse learners
Ability to employ technology tools (e.g., email, educational apps)
Establishes a supportive relationship with students with disabilities or without while fostering student independence
Uses effective communication skills with families, students, and colleagues (spoken, written, and non-verbal)
Exhibits attributes of reliable attendance, promptness, dependability, and professional ethics

Nice To Haves

The district will provide training in the following: de-escalation strategies, the use of educational technologies, evidence-based math and literacy interventions, specialized curriculum for students with disabilities (as needed), job coaching (as needed)
To that end, all Teaching Assistants must complete the online BRIDGE-RI courses to exhibit awareness of the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy.

Responsibilities

Support and supervise arrival, dismissal, lunch, and recess as assigned by the building principal
Organizes materials for each group/student; set up learning stations and activity centers. Supervises students while working; assists students having difficulty
Support students in gaining academic and functional skills under the supervision of the classroom/program teacher(s)
Works directly with the students individually or in small groups to reinforce subjects initially introduced by the teacher
Support in collecting data to monitor student growth and skill development
Support in de-escalation of students during a crisis situation
Assists student(s) with physical tasks and daily living skills such as eating and drinking, putting on and taking off outerwear, moving from room to room, using the bathroom, washing hands, and changing diapers; Support students with personal care needs
Provide job coaching if working with students age 14+ who participate in community-based placements
Perform other duties as assigned by the building administrator
Participate in district-offered professional development opportunities
Follow and implement Behavior Intervention Plans and Health Care Plans when applicable
Reinforces rules of the school and learning environment; acknowledges and encourages appropriate behavior and distinguishes inappropriate behavior for the student's understanding
Assists teachers in supervising learning activities, circulating within the classroom, and providing student assistance and learning support
Completes Medicaid logs as directed for individual students. (as needed)
Maintains Safety Cares certification
Performs duties as assigned by the principal or designee