Instructional Assistant - CHI

LEARN Charter School Network; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wellness support

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Life insurance

403(b) match

Job summary

LEARN Charter School Network is seeking an Instructional Assistant to support classroom teachers and provide targeted instruction in small groups. You will help manage daily classroom operations, monitor student progress, and foster a supportive, inclusive learning environment aligned with LEARN’s values.

The role involves collaboration with families, supervision responsibilities during transitions, and implementing differentiated instruction based on assessments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or 60+ college credits.
• Demonstrated record of living LEARN’s Core Values.

Responsibilities

• Plan instructional activities in partnership with the Classroom Teacher.
• Monitor students’ behavior and progress and support a positive classroom culture.
• Supervise students and assist during transitions, recess, and other activities.
• Deliver whole-group and small-group instruction using assessments to inform differentiation.
• Step in for the Classroom Teacher when needed and support family communication.

Skills

Bachelor's degree / 60+ credits

Bilingual proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or 60+ college credits

Job description

About LEARN

Founded in 2001, LEARN is a network of high‑performing, tuition‑free public elementary and middle schools that prepare children for college. The network serves 4,100 students in grades PK‑8 across Chicago, Waukegan, North Chicago and Washington, D.C., with 11 schools. LEARN’s mission is to provide children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. The district has received recognition for excellence, including a Principal of the Year award from the Illinois Network of Charter Schools and an Exemplary school designation from the Illinois State Board of Education. The organization also received a $7 million gift from Mackenzie Bezos in honor of its impact on education in Chicago.

About The Opportunity

The Instructional Assistant works in collaboration with the Classroom Teacher to support daily classroom operations and deliver high‑quality instruction in small groups, ensuring successful academic outcomes. The Assistant also cultivates ongoing relationships with students, families and community members, and provides a supportive, community‑based classroom environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan classroom instruction in partnership with the Classroom Teacher.
• Monitor students’ behavior and academic achievement, assist in establishing behavior expectations according to school‑wide culture and discipline plans.
• Effectively monitor children outside the classroom (e.g., recess, lunchroom) and when the teacher is occupied.
• Intervene appropriately to prevent classroom disruption and interact with students in a supportive manner reflecting reciprocal respect.
• Plan and execute whole‑group and small‑group instruction using appropriate student assessments to inform differentiated instruction.
• Assume classroom responsibilities in the absence of the Classroom Teacher.

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s Degree or 60+ college credits.
• Have a demonstrated record of living LEARN’s Core Values.

Preferred

• Current participant in an Instructor Certification Program.
• Bilingual proficiency.
• One or more years of classroom experience.
• Demonstrated track record of improving student academic achievement.

Compensation

Starting Salary: $32,000 – $38,000+.

Benefits Summary

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Wellness Benefits: Online Mental Health Support and free onsite COVID testing.
• Paid vacation, personal days, and holidays, with 5 days off every 23 days in the school year.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Paid life insurance.
• 403(b) contribution with 4.5% matching for eligible employees.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Proof of full COVID‑19 vaccination or a valid medical or religious exemption is required. Teaching occurs in a busy, active environment with multiple simultaneous activities. The teacher will supervise all children at all times and may participate in after‑school events, field trips, and professional development. Physical demands include lifting, carrying, and moving moderate distances, frequent standing, bending, reaching, kneeling, walking up and down stairs, and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds for short periods.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, in accordance with the needs of LEARN Charter School Network.