Teaching Assistant, Middle Grades

Heights Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Teaching Assistants will work with students across all grade levels being served (rising 7th-rising 9th) in what is known as the Middle Grades Bridge Summer program. Teaching assistants will support classroom instruction in the subjects of math, career exploration, biology, high school prep, and elective classes. Teaching Assistants will support the lead teacher in delivering content with fidelity and quality in order to provide an enriching curriculum to middle school students in partnership with The Temple Future Scholars Program (Temple University and The School District of Philadelphia). Students in the program will be heavily recruited from the seven partner schools involved in the program; Dunbar Elementary, Duckrey Elementary, Bethune Elementary, McMichael Elementary, Juniata Park Academy, Hartranft Elementary and Conwell Elementary. Teaching Assistants will also be instrumental in creating a fun and safe environment for students through supervision, relationship building, event planning, and chaperoning field trips.

Requirements

Undergraduate student, Graduate student, or Professional Experience in education and/or youth development strongly preferred, but not required
Passionate about making a difference in the academic outcomes of underserved students
Punctual, present, and responsible
Maintains open and consistent communication
Demonstrate organizational and technology skills
Ability to work and contribute to a team
Ability to seek resources and solutions to effectively solve problems
Positive role model
A belief that all students should be held to high academic standards
Experience working with youth and understanding of trauma informed teaching practices
Experience and interest in teaching social emotional learning curriculum
Heights employees: Must meet expectations to report in-person on a schedule determined by their direct manager and/or the Vice President of the team.
Must meet PA State background check requirements [PA Criminal, PA Child Abuse and FBI Fingerprint Check] at hire and every five years thereafter.
Strong orientation to customer service, particularly with regard to students, partners and colleagues
Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office and related applications, as well as use of general office equipment (phones, computers, copiers, etc)
Fluency in the use of data and data systems. Maintains appropriate engagement with data entry, reporting and review.
Must adhere to COVID safety guidelines as established by Heights and/or its partners.
Office-based staff should be mindful of the organization’s strong recommendation that staff maintain up to date with COVID vaccination and boosters.
Site-based staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must submit to any COVID testing or other health screenings as required by the Department of Human Services and/or the School District of Philadelphia.
Must be able to work in a busy, often complex work environment that is generally climate controlled.
Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds unassisted on an occasional basis.
Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
Must be able to stand or walk for long periods of time.
Access to reliable transportation required

Responsibilities

Organizing and overseeing breakfast and lunch distribution to students daily
Meeting students at the designated pick-up location and accompanying them on the van/bus to and from the program location.
Supervising and supporting students while in class and during transitions throughout the day
Communicating with parents, families, and/or students who are tardy or absent for class and fill out phone call log accordingly
Communicating with parents, families, students, and summer staff in the event of an incident. Record incident using Height Incident Report form.
Upholding all health and safety requirements
Contributing and upholding restorative justice practices outlined in the Student Success Plan.
Developing quality relationships with students inside and outside of the classroom.
Contributing content for weekly newsletter to families
Tracking student attendance daily
Utilizing classroom management strategies throughout the day
Supporting students in executing final capstone project
Participating in ongoing professional development and weekly staff meetings in the spirit of continuous improvement; incorporate feedback given
Creating substitute plans in the event of your absence
Supporting the execution of transportation logistics and assist with communication
Supporting PYN paperwork collection
Other administrative duties as needed