Instructional Assistant

New Beginnings Family Academy; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage including medical and dental benefits

Life and AD&D insurance

Professional Development opportunities

10+ paid national holidays

Vacation / Sick Leave / Personal Time

Job summary

A public charter school in Connecticut is seeking a dedicated Instructional Assistant to support teachers from Pre-K to 2nd grade. The role involves helping maintain a positive classroom environment, communicating with families, and assisting in instructional duties. Candidates should have an Associate's degree along with some experience in education or child care, with a passion for fostering student growth and development. This full-time position offers a collaborative work atmosphere and several benefits including health coverage and paid holidays.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in education, child care or a related field.
• Understanding of developmental appropriateness in instruction.
• Willingness to receive and act on constructive criticism.

Responsibilities

• Assist Teachers with classroom management and instructional duties.
• Communicate with families to support student learning.
• Maintain a positive and organized classroom environment.

Skills

Classroom management

Communication skills

Collaboration

Child development knowledge

Education

Associate's degree in Education or Child Care

Tools

PowerTeacher Pro

Job description

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT (PRE-K TO 2ND GRADE)

Position Type: Support Staff/ Instructional Assistant
Date Posted: 4/7/2025
Location: New Beginnings Family Academy

About New Beginnings Family Academy

Opened in September 2002 offering grades K-3, New Beginnings Family Academy (“NBFA”) offers active and engaging learning experiences from Pre-K through 6th grade. NBFA is a tuition‑free, public charter school proudly distinguished by:

• Social, emotional and academic learning steeped in child development best practices
• An emotionally responsive model that weaves trauma‑informed practice into every classroom
• Parental involvement, in and outside of the classroom

NBFA is located at 184 Garden Street, Bridgeport, CT. NBFA is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workplace. NBFA respects, values, and celebrates the unique attributes of all stakeholders: employees, students, families, and members of its’ Board of Directors.

Mission-Driven Culture

NBFA employees thrive in a collaborative environment of thoughtful self‑reflective professionals on a mission to change the life outcomes of Bridgeport youth by narrowing the nefarious achievement gap. Our mission is to provide students a meaningful, high‑quality education through experience‑based learning to develop essential social, emotional, and critical‑thinking skills to give all children the foundation to achieve their potential.

Summary

The Instructional Assistant (IA) is responsible for in‑ and out‑of‑classroom duties that help Teachers deliver developmentally‑appropriate, challenging, and engaging instruction while developing meaningful relationships with students that foster a love of learning. The IA works with the Teacher to build and maintain open lines of communication with families to encourage parents/guardians to become education advocates for their children.

Principal Accountabilities

• Help Teachers maintain a structured, positive classroom to encourage students to think critically
• Work with Teachers to ensure continuous student growth. Including, but not limited to, the following tasks:
  • Grade student work that Teacher does not need to grade him/herself
  • Enter data into PowerTeacher Pro, when appropriate
  • Enter data into Student Notes, when appropriate
  • Plan some instruction, when appropriate (reading groups, enrichment projects, energizers, morning meeting, closing circle, science projects, etc.)
  • Maintain classroom organization i.e. library books in order; update agenda on the board; set‑up technology; ensure furniture and materials are in order; make copies, etc.
  • Communicate with other team members i.e. e‑mail the Specialists about themes; inform Interventionists of a field trip; etc.
  • Communicate with families i.e. assist Teacher with phone calls and e‑mails; be back‑up point‑of‑contact for room parents
  • Update bulletin boards and other displays of student work
  • Handle monthly newsletters
  • Make anchor charts
  • Manage and organize student portfolios
  • Maintain cooperative and respectful working relationships with students, parents, and school personnel
  • Demonstrate efficient work habits including, but not limited to, punctuality, satisfactory attendance and use of personal time, meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, attending grade‑level meetings, professional performance of duties, etc.
  • Model professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, peers, and leaders

Certification, Knowledge and Skills

• Associate’s degree plus 1‑3 years of experience in education, child care or a related field. Candidates with an Associate’s degree in Education or Early Childhood Education preferred. Be on the teacher track.
• Understand that all work responsibilities are subject to performance goals and/or targets established as part of the Board’s and NBFA’s organizational planning
• Be willing and able to receive constructive criticism to improve practices to help students
• Fervently believe in NBFA’s mission and work diligently to positively impact the life outcomes of students

Benefits

• Friendly work environment
• Health coverage includes medical and dental benefits (generous portion of premium paid by NBFA)
• Life and AD&D, Long‑Term and Short‑Term Disability Insurance
• Professional Development opportunities
• 10+ paid national holidays
• Vacation / Sick Leave / Personal Time

Classification

Full‑time/40 hours per week/Exempt/186 days

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 7:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m.