Teacher Assistant

South Kingstown Schools is an excellent place for educators seeking to work in an environment where their skills and abilities are supported, innovation and creativity are honored, and teachers and leaders are committed to a vision of high expectations for all. The district seeks a highly qualified and knowledgeable Teaching Assistant (TA) to join our community of practitioners. This is an exciting opportunity for an educator who wishes to serve in a school community committed to excellence, closing the achievement gap, equity, and a commitment to a love of learning. Job Goals: Assists the instructional staff in implementing plans and programs related to the academic or a specialized area to which assigned; performs various non-instructional tasks in direct support of the teaching-learning process. Assists in supervising students in the classroom and at various locations on the school grounds. The job involves working directly with students individually or in small groups to reinforce subjects introduced by the teacher, in addition to working with the school staff to create an educational environment that meets the needs of all students by providing supervision, instructional assistance, classroom support, and other direct services to students. The work of a TA is planned and implemented under the direction of the classroom teacher, Program Teacher, or service provider. Reports To: Classroom or Program Teacher/Building Administration EDUCATION TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or general equivalency or Associate's Degree or higher CERTIFICATE/LICENSE REQUIRED: Successfully pass the ParaPro Assessment OR Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education OR Completion of a Teacher Assistant Pre-Employment Training Program approved by the RI Department of Education (RIDE) or obtain an Associate's Degree or higher Any combination of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by (an) individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities related to the position. This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessities and School Committee Policy and procedures. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification. Essential Duties: 1.Support and supervise arrival, dismissal, lunch, and recess as assigned by the building principal 2.Organizes materials for each group/student; set up learning stations and activity centers. Supervises students while working; assists students having difficulty 3.Support students in gaining academic and functional skills under the supervision of the classroom/program teacher(s) 4.Works directly with the students individually or in small groups to reinforce subjects initially introduced by the teacher 5.Support in collecting data to monitor student growth and skill development 6.Support in de-escalation of students during a crisis situation 7.Assists student(s) with physical tasks and daily living skills such as eating and drinking, putting on and taking off outerwear, moving from room to room, using the bathroom, washing hands, and changing diapers; Support students with personal care needs 8.Provide job coaching if working with students age 14 who participate in community-based placements 9.Perform other duties as assigned by the building administrator 10.Participate in district-offered professional development opportunities 11.Follow and implement Behavior Intervention Plans and Health Care Plans when applicable and trained 12.Reinforces rules of the school and learning environment; acknowledges and encourages appropriate behavior and distinguishes inappropriate behavior for the student's understanding 13.Assists teachers in supervising learning activities, circulating within the classroom, and providing student assistance and learning support 14.As needed after training, complete Medicaid logs as directed for individual students. 15.Maintains Safety Cares certification 1. Support students' social and emotional needs through positive relationship building, appropriate support, and engaging instruction. District Offered Professional Development: The district will provide training in the following: Introductory to Behavior Intervention Training Science of Reading/ Structure Literacy Safety Cares Math and Literacy interventions Advanced Strategies for Behavior Intervention Advanced Strategies for Math and Reading Intervention The use of educational technologies (as needed) Specialized curriculum for students with disabilities (as needed) Job coaching (as needed) Ability to: 1.Maintain confidentiality 2.Work with children in a sensitive and effective manner 3.Analyze, communicate, and use interpersonal skills. 4.Readily learn assigned duties and adhere to classroom/student procedures 5.When trained and instructed, maintain accurate and complete records and files required by law, district policy, and procedures. 6.Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 7.Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures. 8.Operate office/school equipment. 9.Work as a collegial partner with other professionals 10.Consistently follow established procedures and protocols 11.Implement Safety Cares techniques after appropriate training when required 12.Implement behavior management techniques after appropriate training (when required) 13.Implement Job Coaching after appropriate training (when required) 12.Take initiative and be proactive 13.Understand specific disabilities of the students with whom the employee will be working (as needed) 15.Exhibits interpersonal skills with students and adults to help create and maintain a positive learning environment. 16.Duties as assigned. Dispositions: Willingness to learn and implement instructional methods, strategies, and techniques Ability to exercise considerable patience, courtesy, tact, and good judgment in working with students, teachers, administrators, and fellow employees Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations Ability to employ a variety of instructional approaches to respond to the needs of diverse learners Ability to employ technology tools (e.g., email, educational apps) Establishes a supportive relationship with students with disabilities or without while fostering student independence Uses effective communication skills with students, and colleagues (spoken, written, and non-verbal) Exhibits attributes of reliable attendance, promptness, dependability, and professional ethics Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination South Kingstown Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment based on race, color, age, disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status. In addition, the school district does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.