4th/5th Grade Instructional Aide

Choice-Schools-Associates; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 20,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

New Branches Charter Academy (NBCA) seeks an Instructional Aide to support teachers and students in inclusive classroom settings. You will reinforce concepts, foster engagement, and help create an environment that nurtures curiosity and academic growth.

The role emphasizes individualized attention, collaboration with educators, and contributing to a positive educational experience for all learners in a school focused on environmental learning and community involvement.

Qualifications

• Complete at least two years of higher education or an associate's degree, or pass a rigorous state/local standard.
• Ability to assist in reading, writing, and mathematics instruction.
• Professional communication with students, staff, and guardians.

Responsibilities

• Helps the classroom teacher prepare and distribute lesson materials.
• Instructs students under supervision of the classroom teacher.
• Assists the classroom teacher in maintaining individual student records when asked.
• Assists the classroom teacher in keeping the classroom neat, clean and orderly to provide work and study areas conducive to learning.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy and the community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, including questioning, clear assignments, mutual respect, and facilitating group experiences.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Creativity and innovation

Team collaboration

Education

60 semester hours

Associate's degree or higher

Parapro Assessment (ETS)

Job description

At New Branches Charter Academy (NBCA), our mission is to provide a positive academic and social learning environment for all students. NCBA is a destination school, located on a 12 acre campus that is known for providing environmentally focused learning experiences and self-sustaining practices through dedication to academic excellence. NBCA knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands‑on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

About the role

To provide dedicated support to teachers and students in the classroom, assisting with various instructional activities and creating an inclusive learning environment. The Instructional Aide aims to facilitate student engagement and comprehension by offering individualized attention and reinforcing lesson concepts. Through collaboration with educators, the Instructional Aide seeks to contribute to the overall academic growth and success of students, promoting a positive and enriching educational experience for all.

What you'll do

• Helps the classroom teacher prepare and distribute lesson materials.
• Instructs students under supervision of the classroom teacher.
• Assists the classroom teacher in maintaining individual student records when asked.
• Assists the classroom teacher in keeping the classroom neat, clean and orderly to provide work and study areas conducive to learning.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy and the community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning, clarity of assignments, communicating an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and expression and student and classroom teacher experiences in large and small groups.
• Works cooperatively with parents' and generates guardians' confidence in the classroom teacher.
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the Academy.
• Carries out other duties assigned by the principal and/or Choice Schools Associates.

Qualifications

• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or obtain an associate's degree (or higher); or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment or successfully pass the ETS Parapro Assessment
• Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or
• Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
• Ability to communicate with students, staff and guardians in a professional manner.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Exemplary work habits verified by previous employers.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or valid state of Michigan Teaching Certificate.
• Knowledge of and skills working with at-risk students.
• Experience in an educational setting with school-age children.

About Choice Schools Associates

New Branches Charter Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, New Branches is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight‑knit community school in your area.