Teaching Assistant

TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804•Highland Park, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Teaching Assistant supports the TrueNorth mission and is committed to the possibilities in every learner, every day. This role plays a vital part in fostering a therapeutic, inclusive school community where students experience belonging and develop the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral skills needed for success. Under the direction of a Special Education Teacher or assigned administrator, the Teaching Assistant supports all aspects of the instructional program, behavior management, and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Responsibilities include individual and small-group instruction, data collection, crisis support, and participation in classroom, community, vocational, and recreational activities.

Requirements

Strong communication skills with students, staff, and families
Effective collaborative problem-solving abilities
Commitment to continuous professional improvement
Ability to implement instructional, therapeutic and behavioral strategies under teacher direction
Skill in supporting students with cognitive, social-emotional, behavioral, and autism-related support needs
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
Capacity to support students across varied environments, including classroom, regulation spaces, community, and vocational settings
Ability to safely assist in physical restraint when required for student and staff safety
Ability to collect data and follow individualized plans with consistency and accuracy
Valid Illinois Paraprofessional License or Substitute Teacher License
Ability to pass a background check and provide a physician's statement of ability to complete the essential functions and responsibilities of the job
Ability to lift and assist students, including lifting over 50 pounds when required
Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and move frequently throughout the day
Must complete Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training and employ these skills as necessary
Ability to safely assist in physical restraint when required by student behavior plans
Ability to accompany students to regulation spaces and community and vocational sites

Nice To Haves

Experience working with students with cognitive, social-emotional, behavioral, or developmental support needs preferred
Appropriate certification for School Bus Permit required or ability to obtain within the first six months of employment / or within 6 months of age eligibility

Responsibilities

Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and organizing classroom activities
Conduct individual and small-group instruction under teacher direction
Support students in academic, vocational, community, and recreational activities
Operate classroom and office equipment to support learning
Implement behavior plans and use trauma-informed, therapeutic strategies under teacher and clinician direction
Provide guidance and support to students experiencing social-emotional or behavioral challenges
Assist in crisis intervention, including safe physical restraint when required
Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times
Support implementation of IEP goals across environments
Collect and record data on student performance and behavior
Participate in team meetings, staffings, and parent conferences as requested
Communicate observations to teacher and therapeutic team to support planning and intervention
Work collaboratively with teachers, clinicians, related service providers, administrators, and families
Participate in orientation, in-service programs, and professional learning opportunities
Provide feedback to the teacher regarding student progress and needs
Perform additional duties as assigned to support classroom and school functioning
Participate in community-based instruction and vocational activities
Ensure safety and supervision during all off-campus activities
Transport students by van or bus as directed (Type B license required)