Teaching Assistant

Southwest Leadership Academy•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School (SLACS) was founded to address the need for community access to exceptional, leadership based education in the heart of southwest Philadelphia. Currently, Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School supports just under 500 students in grades K-8 in single gender classrooms, leveraging research from the world- renowned Gurian Institute around socio-emotional learning and differentiation between the sexes, fueling growth, leadership and engagement for all students. Classrooms in grades K-1 are supported by two educators from the SLACS team – a lead teacher as well as an Apprentice Teacher, translating to more 1:1 student/teacher instructional time as well as increased opportunities for differentiated instruction for students. At SLACS, we believe that every child: Is a developing leader waiting to be fostered. Is capable of high academic achievement. Can positively impact and contribute to the school and community. Needs a positive and hopeful definition of reality in order to succeed We understand the importance of a collaborative learning environment between teachers, parents, and school staff in setting up every child’s educational success. SLACS is committed to building talented and committed cadres of teachers charged with the skills to develop leaders by empowering scholars to change the factors that define their reality. Our staff will work with students to develop the leadership skills necessary to drive complete community rejuvenation in Southwest Philadelphia. In developing these skills, students will cultivate an array of leadership components that they can apply to community change on a global scale.

Requirements

Minimum of an Associate’s Degree (or equivalent) with preference for a Bachelor Degree from an accredited college or university
Required criminal history background check, physical and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
Commitment to the success of all SLACS students and specifically to raising the academic achievement of children in high-poverty communities and/ or children with special needs
Desire to grow professionally and seek out new opportunities to learn; and integrity and clarity in all communications and interactions
Excellent oral and written communication skills, in addition to computer skills
Flexible, optimistic approach; committed to overcoming challenges; problem solving skills
Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Interest in working with urban schools, student and communities

Responsibilities

Supporting the Lead and Apprentice Teachers to design strategies to reinforce skills which meet the individual student needs
Supporting the Lead and Apprentice Teachers to develop and support an inviting, exciting, and innovative learning environment
Supporting the Lead and Apprentice Teachers to deliver an effective instructional program
Supporting the Lead and Apprentice Teachers to implement enrichment or remedial work in independent study situations
Supporting the Lead and Apprentice Teachers to process student paperwork in accordance with the directions of the teacher
Assisting in preparing lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, and demonstrations
Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce the learning of information or skills initially introduced by the Lead or Apprentice Teacher
Assisting the classroom teachers in maintaining an inventory, organizing educational materials, preparing instructional documents, and other activities which facilitate the educational program
Operating and caring for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes
Helps students master equipment or materials assigned by the classroom teachers
Serving, in emergency situations, as a substitute teacher