Instructional Aide, SPED

School Blueprint; Memphis (TN); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Life insurance & disability insurance

TN state retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement plan

Adoption assistance program

Job summary

Journey Community Schools seeks an Instructional Assistant to support teachers in delivering high-quality, personalized education for students. This role focuses on student engagement, data-informed instruction, and collaboration with families to track progress.

The position involves after-school intervention, differentiated instruction, and active participation in professional development to improve classroom practices to support the school's mission.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of child cognitive development and different learning styles.
• Ability to implement JCS Instructional Guidelines and Best Practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication; collaborate with colleagues, parents and community.
• Associate’s degree or two years of college; Bachelor’s preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom systems and help manage student behavior to keep students engaged.
• Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with Tennessee Standards and JCS guidelines.
• Assess students and analyze assessment data.
• Collaborate with JCS team to improve instructional practices and share best practices.
• Assist with providing families regular information on classroom activities and student progress.
• Assist with differentiated instruction including parallel teaching, small group, and one-on-one support.
• Teach in after-school program focusing on intervention and acceleration for students below grade level.

Skills

Child development knowledge

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Reflect and improve

Education

Associate’s degree or 2 years of college

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field preferred

Job description

The Opportunity:

The Opportunity: Behind every successful student is a passionate and dedicated team. Together, we will change the odds for underserved students, ensuring that every student is prepared to excel in all areas of life. Instructional Assistants support classroom teacher(s) in providing a high quality, personalized education program for students during the school day and/or in the after school program. The Instructional Assistant position is an ideal position for individuals who have an interest in pursuing a career as an educator.

What You Will Do:

• Support classroom systems/procedures and help manage student behavior to ensure all students are fully engaged in learning
• Develop and implement lesson plans and classroom activities consistent with Tennessee State Standards and JCS Instructional Guidelines
• Assess students regularly in accordance with JCS guidelines and analyze assessment data
• Collaborate with JCS team members to improve own and others’ instructional practices; share best practices
• Help classroom teacher(s) provide students and their families with regular and timely information on classroom activities and student progress
• May help track critical student information and maintain accurate student records, including attendance, in accordance with JCS procedures
• Identify unique student needs and collaborate with other team members and outside service providers to diagnose and address learning challenges
• Assist with planning and executing differentiated instruction for students with a variety of needs, including: parallel teaching, small group and/or one-on-one instruction.
• Teach students in the after school program, especially intervention and acceleration for students below grade level
• Support a school-wide culture of high expectations that includes college preparation for all students; work with the Academic Counselor to support students with academic progress
• Teach or co-teach Advisory class with the objective of developing students’ character and habits
• Actively participate in professional development activities, including: training sessions and working with lead teacher, principal, instructional coaches
• Work towards career as an educator, which may include enrolling in teacher credential program
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, JCS mission, vision, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior

What You Will Bring:

• Knowledge of child cognitive development and different learning styles
• Ability and willingness to implement JCS Instructional Guidelines and Best Practices
• Ability and willingness to reflect and improve
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate with colleagues, parents and community
• Associate’s degree or successful completion of 2 years of college experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Teaching, or related field preferred
• 1+ year working with students as a teacher, teacher intern, or teaching assistant preferred

Compensation

Journey Community Schools offers its employees a competitive salary and benefits,

• paid time off
• small payroll contributions for rich benefit plans
• life insurance/short-term and long-term disability
• participation in a TN state retirement plan
• tuition reimbursement plan
• adoption assistance program

Journey Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria.

JCS promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.