Educational Assistant

Hamilton County Department of Education; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton County Schools seeks a teaching assistant to support classroom teachers at Westview Elementary in Chattanooga, TN. The role involves tutoring, small-group work, and helping with instructional activities while fostering a safe, respectful learning environment.

Responsibilities include monitoring students, assisting with tests, and coordinating with staff. Fluency in Spanish is required for ESOL program support; strong communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED and basic technology skills.
• Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher or PRAXIS Parapro Exam is required.
• Spanish language fluency is required for ESOL educational assistants.

Responsibilities

• Assists teachers in classrooms; monitors or conducts classes when needed; prepares instructional materials.
• Provides tutoring and one-on-one support in basic subjects; helps with lesson planning.
• Monitors students in common areas and chaperones field trips during the school day.
• Supports behavior management under the teacher's direction and follows safety procedures.
• Performs clerical tasks and communicates with staff, students, and parents as needed.
• Attends staff and parent meetings and maintains confidentiality.

Skills

Teaching strategies

Verbal communication

Written communication

Spanish language

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree or higher

PRAXIS Parapro Exam

Job description

Overview

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Overview

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

The purpose of this classification is to provide teaching assistance under the direction of a licensed teacher in classrooms or as otherwise needed.

Westview Elementary is a K-5 school located in Chattanooga, TN. At Westview Elementary, we are a family. Our school has a warm, caring, environment. We believe that all children can learn. We strive for excellence in our teaching profession and consistently collaborate to reach our common goal -- student achievement.

At Westview Elementary, we challenge students to be thinkers and problem solvers who are ready for college, career, and citizenship. We believe that STEM instructional practices are a catalyst to meet our school mission. Learning is student-led as students research and build & design through project based learning. Students develop problem solving skills by following the engineering design process. 21st Century skills are embedded in our content and related arts instruction. Students are engaged and new learning happens daily.

Not only do we achieve academically, but we care about the social/emotional development of every child. Every student starts the day with a morning meeting with peers facilitated by their classroom teacher. Students are recognized for their leadership and citizenship each month. Westview students set academic and personal goals and are given the opportunity to participate in student-led conferences. We offer morning Chess Club, Art, Gig-City-Girls, Electric Car, Recycling Club, and Good News Club.

We are looking for teachers who have a growth mindset and who are not afraid to accept a challenge in order to learn a new teaching strategy or skill. In addition, we are looking for individuals who are dedicated to their profession and who will invest in the growth and success of every student.

Responsibilities

• Assists teachers in classroom or other educational settings; oversees, monitors, or conducts classes during the temporary absence of teachers; assists teachers in setting up and conducting various class activities and projects; works with and assists students during class activities and projects; prepares instructional materials for classroom use; copies materials for use by teachers; sets up and assists with classroom technology; assists in administering and grading tests; assists in evaluating student performance and skill levels; creates bulletin boards, displays, or wall decorations; and assists with cleanup activities.
• Provides tutoring or one-on-one assistance to students in basic educational skills; assists students with word study, spelling, sentence writing, reading, math, science, physical education, or other areas; utilizes instructional programs; assists with development of lesson plans.
• Monitors students in cafeteria, auditorium, halls, bus zones, or other common areas; organizes groups of students upon arrival/departure; seats students in appropriate areas; assists in cleaning tables or spills; chaperones students on field trips occurring during the regular school day only.
• Monitors behavior/activities of students and initiates disciplinary action per prescribed policies under the teacher’s direction.
• Follows established procedures for ensuring students are safe.
• Performs clerical tasks in support of teaching activities, office operations, and/or other school functions.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, school officials, teachers, students, parents, vendors, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Attends staff meetings, parent meetings, IEP-Team meetings, or other meetings as required.
• Follows established procedures for ensuring assigned areas are safe.
• Works collaboratively with supervisor, administrators, employees, students, and other stakeholders.
• Attends work regularly and arrives to work in a timely fashion.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
• Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Education/Experience

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; basic technology skills required; general office/clerical experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Must possess one of the following before reporting to work: (1) 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours; (2) An Associate’s degree or higher; (3) passing score on PRAXIS for Parapro Exam.
• One year of experience working with children preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish required for educational assistant in ESOL program.

Skills/Qualifications

• Ability to learn and implement a variety of teaching strategies.
• Demonstrate proficient verbal and written communication skills.

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

Grade B

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