Teacher Assistant

Our Commitment:

Amber Charter Schools understands specific groups are subject to marginalization. We believe these powerful groups should be centered in our community and are highly encouraged to apply. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation/affectional preference, gender (including gender nonconformity, status as a transgender or transsexual individual, and gender identity or expression), sexual and reproductive health decisions, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, age, familial status, partnership status, caregiver status, pregnancy status, uniformed service, military and veteran status, employment status, disability, political affiliation, height, weight or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law, rule or regulation.

Position Summary

Teacher assistants support and partner with classroom teachers to plan and deliver rigorous and engaging instruction, comprehensively assess student learning, and create safe and responsive learning environments.

Essential Responsibilities

Instructional Planning & Delivery:

• Collaborate with the teacher in planning and delivering rigorous and engaging instruction.
• Support the academic progress of all students by assisting in the implementation of a coherent, research-based curriculum aligned to content and grade-level specific scope and sequence guiding documents.
• Utilize consistent school-wide practices and diverse, individualized methods to engage students in the classroom.
• Under the guidance of the classroom teacher, modify, differentiate, and extend learning experiences to engage all students, including those with disabilities, by integrating Individual Education Plan (IEP) recommendations.
• Collaborate with the classroom teacher to modify, differentiate, and extend learning experiences to engage English Language Learner (ELL) students.
• Implement various methods to promote a student-led and student-centered classroom.

Student Assessment:

• Support the assessment of student learning.
• Assist the classroom teacher in tracking student proficiency and progress towards learning objectives using formative and summative assessment tools.
• Provide ongoing and timely feedback to students on their progress towards meeting expectations and achieving goals.
• Use student data to improve instruction and personal practice.

Learning Environment:

• Create a safe and responsive learning environment.
• Teach and promote the development of the AMBER core values.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a warm and firm learning environment that fosters safety, encourages risk-taking, and supports creativity.
• Model, practice, and reinforce developmentally-appropriate rules and behaviors using clear and consistent procedures.
• Support the implementation of behavioral management plans with individual students as needed.
• Build positive and supportive partnerships with families.

Student Support & School Culture:

• Communicate frequently and effectively with families, guided by the classroom teacher, providing information about instructional programs and student progress through report cards, parent/teacher conferences, etc.
• Contribute to a collaborative and cohesive staff learning community by modeling lifelong learning through professional development and individual growth activities.
• Utilize constructive feedback to enhance the quality of learning experiences for students.
• Demonstrate teamwork by actively modeling cooperation and helpfulness for students.
• Engage in respectful and critical dialogue to contribute to the school’s evolution.
• Maintain optimism and flexibility throughout the year.
• Encourage and support the growth of colleagues.
• Serve on school-based committees.

Required Experience and Qualifications 

• H.S Diploma/GED 
• New York State Teacher Assistant Certification
• Familiarity with high-quality curriculum programs.
• Comfort with remote learning systems (e.g. Google Classroom, on-line curriculum platforms).
• Strong command of all Microsoft Office and Google Suite programs.
• A high degree of comfort and confidence engaging children in learning and interfacing with parents/caregivers.
• Commitment to create and maintain a safe and responsive learning environment.
• Capacity to develop strong relationships based on trust, respect, effective communication, and common goals.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple obligations and initiatives, strong attention to detail and excellent time management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Completion and pass pre-employment Fingerprinting and Reference check process.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree 
• 2 years experience working with children in a afterschool, daycare, camp or school setting
• Ability to speak, write and understand Spanish fluently.

Amber’s Expectations

• Regular attendance and punctuality  
• Well-groomed and able to maintain a professional appearance 
• Organizational fit for Amber culture, that is, exhibit the Amber Traits of Achievement, Community, Responsibility, Honesty and Respect  

 Equipment

• Laptop, Promethean board, classroom, and office equipment 

Work Environment/Physical Effort:  

• Regularly required to sit, stand for long periods of time, walk, climb stairs, speak loudly and clearly, visually observe, hear, operate a computer, and other classroom, school and office equipment, reach with hands and arms, bend down, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 20 pounds. Work is being performed in a traditional multi-floor school environment with limited to no elevator access.

Work Schedule

• 10 month work schedule

Compensation

• Amber Charter Schools strictly follow a salary schedule for each role to ensure our continued commitment towards pay equity. The expected salary range  for this role is $34,278-$55,387, depending on verified relevant work experience, highest level of completed education, and required certifications and/or licenses for the role. This is an exempt position.

Who We Are:

In addition to Amber’s competitive salaries, Amber offers opportunities for supplemental compensation, an excellent benefits package starting on day 1,  including medical plans averaging a $55 employee contribution monthly for single coverage (with dependent options available and averaging $92-$124 per month), dental & vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with an organization-paid contribution after 1-year, various supplemental benefit options such as life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, pre-tax commuter & transit benefits and flexible spending/health reimbursement accounts, longevity and referral bonuses, generous paid time off, access to a federal student loan debt reduction program, professional development and a friendly work environment.