The Teacher Assistant supports the classroom teacher in providing direct instruction and managing student behavior to maintain a productive learning environment. They are responsible for preparing instructional materials, documenting student progress via IEPs, and ensuring student safety through supervision and crisis intervention.
Requirements summary
An Associate's degree in Education or Liberal Arts is preferred, and Teaching Assistant certification is required by the end of the first year. Candidates must have experience working with youth and the physical ability to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques.
Villa of Hope helps youth and families rebuild relationships, recover from trauma and renew Hope for their future.
Job title: Teacher Assistant
Pay grade
74 [ salary range: 17.00hr-20.00hr commensurate with education and experience ]
FSLA: Non Exempt
Department/Program: Education
Supervisor: Director of Education
Essential functions
Exercises full compliance with the Agency’s Code of Conduct, all Agency policies and procedures and Federal and State laws and regulations
Manages student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing positive working relationships, rules and procedures
Supervises, escorts, and transports students throughout the entire day and after school when needed
Provides coverage for teacher absence in the classroom and in “specials” area
Maintains productive learning environment within the classroom
Maintains current knowledge in special education field
Assists in the development of appropriate curriculum for subject area(s)
Assists in the preparation of IEP’s, report cards, transcripts, daily logs and weekly progress notes, planning conference and team reports and other written records
Uses relevant technology to support instruction
Attends staff meetings and in-service training as required by supervisor
Plans extra-curricular activities for students (seasonal events, plays, field trips, etc.)
Demonstrates, promotes and practices cultural sensitivity towards students and staff through respect and understanding achieved through training and Agency cultural activities
Assists in the instruction of students, including planning, evaluating, and providing direct instruction under the direction of the classroom teacher
Assists in the preparation of lesson plans and instructional material with attention to NYS curriculum and the individual needs of students (each student’s IEP)
Evaluates and records the academic programs and status of each student
Works with the classroom teacher in evaluating and recommending instructional materials
Works with the classroom teacher to insure recording attendance each period as required by NYS Education department
Maintains awareness of current treatment plans of students in his/her class and is perceptive of the impact that relationships and activities may have on treatment plan objectives and reports these observations to the treatment team
Attends planning and review conferences regarding students in class when possible
Communicates regularly and effectively with classroom teacher and program personnel those daily events that have relevance to the individual student’s plan.
Communicates with student’s parents when needed
Maintains contact with outside agencies and employers when students are involved in jobs, vocational experiences, etc.
Fulfills all legal requirements as a Mandated Reporter under NYS law and professional ethical standards.
Other responsiblities
• comptencies:
Leading Self
Character and Courage (Integrity and Trust)
Leading Others • Customer Focus
Leading the Organization
Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity
Minimum Qualifications
Associate's degree in Education or Liberal Arts preferred from an accredited institution; Teaching Assistant certification is required at the end of the first year of employment. Relevant experience working with youth. Valid NYS driver’s license preferred. Aware and be able to use current technology within the classroom.
Special skills
Work with student to provide academic and behavioral supports as specified by program Director of Education, Must have flexibility, patience and resiliency to deal with the sudden crisis and deviation from work plans and schedules. Self-motived, strong verbal and writing skills, attention to detail, problem-solving, flexible and adaptable.
Physical requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis
standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and climbing; Must be able to perform a variety of tasks, climb stairs, move throughout the building , work cooperatively in a team environment and quickly respond to emergencies. Position requires that the employee must be able to restrain clients utilizing Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques. Position may also require employee to transport clients utilizing an agency vehicle.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training: the ability to drop repeatedly to knees, twist and turn, exert oneself physically at an intense level, and support another adult’s weight.
