Instructional Aide, SPED

School Blueprint; Memphis, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

TN state retirement plan

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Journey Community Schools in Memphis, TN seeks an Instructional Assistant to support classroom teachers and deliver high-quality, personalized instruction for students during the school day and after school.

You will help implement lesson plans aligned to Tennessee standards, assess progress, differentiate instruction, and collaborate with the JCS team while pursuing a teaching credential. Strong communication with families and ongoing professional development are encouraged.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or two years of college required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field preferred.
• 1+ year experience with students (teacher, intern, or TA) preferred.
• Knowledge of child cognitive development and learning styles.
• Ability to implement JCS Instructional Guidelines and Best Practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication; collaborative with families.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom systems and help manage student behavior.
• Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with Tennessee standards and JCS guidelines.
• Assess students regularly and analyze assessment data.
• Collaborate with JCS team to improve instructional practices.
• Communicate progress with students and families.
• Track student information and attendance per JCS procedures.
• Identify student needs and coordinate with team and service providers.
• Differentiate instruction for various needs including small group and one-on-one
• Teach in after-school program focusing on intervention and acceleration
• Support college-preparatory culture and work with Academic Counselor
• Teach or co-teach Advisory class to develop character and habits
• Participate in professional development with lead teacher and principals
• Work toward becoming a credentialed educator
• Adhere to JCS mission, policies, and confidentiality standards.

Skills

Child development

Communication skills

Collaboration with families

Growth mindset

Instructional guidelines

Education

Associate’s degree / 2 years college

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field

Job description

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,

• including 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.