Autism Classroom Teacher Assistant

Uncommon Schools; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 42,300 - 51,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Extensive training and development programs

Job summary

Uncommon Schools in Newark, NJ, is seeking a Teacher Assistant to support teachers and assist Autistic students in specialized settings. This role provides opportunities to observe best teaching practices and participate in delivering effective education. Candidates will assist with small group instruction, behavior management, and administrative tasks, while collaborating closely with experienced educators.

The ideal candidate is passionate about education, has strong organizational and time-management skills, and is flexible in dynamic environments. Benefits include generous paid time off and comprehensive health plans.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting Autistic students in educational settings.
• Demonstrated passion for working with K-12 students.
• Interest in performing a critical support role.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with instruction and behavior management.
• Teach small groups of students.
• Provide administrative support in classroom activities.
• Supervise students during transitions.

Skills

Time-management skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to work in fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

RBT training preferred

Job description

Job Description

The Teacher Assistant position provides a unique opportunity for talented individuals with experience supporting Autistic Students in specialized settings to explore the field of education and to gain hands‑on practice on supporting the mission‑critical work of teachers. Teacher Assistants will have an opportunity to observe best practices in classroom instruction and education reform from experienced teachers and school leaders at a leading charter management organization. Teacher Assistants will support teachers alongside a BCBA with small group instruction, discrete trial training, implementation of token boards, PECs, alternative forms of communication, behavioral support aligned to individual behavior intervention plans, grading, data analysis, and administrative support.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with instruction, behavior management, discrete trials, graphing data and other classroom responsibilities.
• Teach small groups of students.
• Observe Master Teachers to improve instructional techniques and classroom management.
• Provide administrative support including copies, arrival duty, dismissal duty, organizing classroom materials, and preparing classroom materials.
• Participate in grade‑level activities, school‑wide functions, events, and trips.
• Provide consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior as outlined by individualized behavior intervention plans with the support of a BCBA.
• Supervise students during transitions, breakfast, lunch and after‑school.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Participate in an annual three‑week staff orientation and training and Friday professional development sessions.

Qualifications

• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom.
• Evidence of self‑motivation, willingness to be a team player, and a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Hard‑working, energetic, and willing to learn and adapt.
• Reflective and constantly wanting to improve.
• Flexible and enjoys dealing with unpredictability.
• Strong time‑management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Interest in performing a critical support role and the ability to excel in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial, results‑oriented environment.
• Prior experience working in schools and/or urban communities preferred but not required.
• Experience working in special education settings with Autistic students.
• Relentless commitment to our mission of educating urban students. Belief in and alignment with Uncommon's core beliefs and educational philosophy is non‑negotiable.
• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required. RBT training preferred. Background in education not required, though candidates should show a demonstrated passion for working with K‑12 students.

Compensation

The starting compensation for this role is $47,000. The starting pay will depend on relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Because we value staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges for current staff members.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
• Extensive, best‑in‑class training and development.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans plus pre‑tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health savings accounts (HSA).
• Financial planning – New Jersey pension program.
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
• Mental health and counseling support plus wellness benefits.
• A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Uncommon is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [e-mail].