Instructional Aid

Montgomery-Public-Schools; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

I Dream Big Academy Charter School is seeking a dedicated paraprofessional/teacher assistant to support teachers, inspire students, and foster a classroom where all learners thrive. You will mentor, motivate, and advocate for students, helping them embody the DREAMER values and succeed academically and socially.

This role emphasizes direct student support, collaboration with educators, and a commitment to innovative, student-centered learning in a charter school setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or associate degree required; bachelor’s preferred.
• Experience working with children in educational settings.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to connect with students, teachers, and families.
• Ability to assist in small-group instruction and classroom management.
• Familiarity with educational technology in a 1:1 learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to students in small groups or one-on-one settings.
• Assist teachers in delivering differentiated instruction and meaningful learning experiences.
• Build relationships and serve as a trusted mentor for students.
• Monitor and reinforce learning by clarifying lessons and assisting with assignments.
• Support inclusive education with accommodations and modifications as needed.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to support instructional goals.
• Model professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment to student success.

Skills

Strong communication

Patience and empathy

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or associate degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Educational technology tools

Job description

Instructional Aid

Job Description

REPORTING STRUCTURE

• Position Title: Teachers/Advisors
• Direct Reports: Director of Academics
• Certificated Role: Yes
• Salary Range: Based on Experience according to the Board Approved Salary Scale
• Assignment Category: Regular, Full-Time: 187 Days
• Start Date: 2026-2027 Instructional School Year

About I Dream Big Academy Charter School

I Dream Big Academy Charter School is a visionary learning community dedicated to reimagining education through personalized learning, student agency, and real-world experiences. Inspired by the Big Picture Learning model, we believe education should be built around students' passions and interests, fostering their growth as creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and engaged citizens. As a startup charter school, we seek educators who are ready to innovate, collaborate, and lead in a dynamic environment.

Join us in redefining education and empowering students to Dream Big!

POSITION OVERVIEW

At I Dream Big Academy Charter School, we believe that every student has the potential to succeed—and we need dedicated Learning Champions to help bring that vision to life! As a paraprofessional/teacher assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting teachers, inspiring students, and fostering a classroom environment where all learners can thrive.

You will be more than just an extra set of hands—you will be a mentor, motivator, and advocate, ensuring that students receive the personalized support they need to excel academically and socially. Your role will be instrumental in helping students embody the values of being a DREAMER—Determined, Respectful, Empathetic, an Achiever, Motivated, Empowered, and Responsible.

This isn’t just a support role—it’s an opportunity to make a real impact on students' lives, spark a love for learning, and help shape the future of education. If you’re ready to be a champion for student success, we’d love to have you on our team!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be a Student Advocate – Provide direct support to students who need extra guidance, whether in small groups or one-on-one settings.
• Enhance Classroom Learning – Assist teachers in delivering engaging and differentiated instruction, ensuring that all students have access to meaningful learning experiences.
• Build Relationships – Serve as a trusted mentor for students, encouraging confidence, independence, and a growth mindset.
• Monitor & Reinforce Learning – Help students stay on track by clarifying lessons, assisting with assignments, and reinforcing key concepts.
• Support Inclusive Education – Work closely with special education and general education teachers to implement accommodations and modifications for diverse learners.
• Encourage Positive Behavior – Assist in maintaining a structured, respectful, and nurturing classroom environment through proactive behavior management strategies.
• Collaborate with Teachers & Staff – Work as a team to support instructional goals, classroom organization, and student engagement.
• Be a Role Model – Demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm, and a commitment to student success every day.

WHO YOU ARE

• A compassionate and patient mentor who believes in the potential of every student.
• A collaborative team player who enjoys working alongside educators to enhance learning.
• A proactive problem solver who can adapt to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• A positive and energetic presence who helps create an engaging, supportive classroom environment.
• A resilient and flexible professional who remains calm under pressure and can adjust to different learning needs and situations.
• A self-motivated and growth-minded individual who actively seeks opportunities to improve their skills and contribute to a dynamic school environment.
• A strong communicator who listens actively, expresses ideas clearly, and fosters meaningful relationships with students, teachers, and families.
• A culturally responsive educator who respects and embraces the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of students and their families.
• An empathetic and intuitive supporter who can recognize and address the emotional and academic challenges students may face.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or associate degree required (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Experience working with children in an educational setting (classroom, tutoring, childcare, etc.).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to connect with students, teachers, and families.
• Ability to assist in small-group instruction, classroom management, and behavior support.
• Basic understanding of educational technology in a 1:1 learning environment.

NICE TO-HAVES

• Experience in a charter school or student-centered learning environment.
• Background in special education, social-emotional learning (SEL), or behavioral support.
• Familiarity with instructional technology tools and learning management systems.
• Bilingual proficiency (Spanish or other languages).

WHY JOIN I DREAM BIG ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL?

• Be part of a groundbreaking school that puts students at the center of their learning.
• Work in a collaborative, innovative, and supportive environment.
• Engage in professional growth opportunities focused on educational innovation and leadership.
• Help shape the future of education by developing authentic, meaningful learning experiences for students.