Instructional Teacher Assistant

Oak Park Elementary District 97; Oak Park (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

Paid sick & personal days

Pre-tax retirement plans (e.g., 403b)

Job summary

A local educational institution is seeking a Teacher Assistant to provide support in K-5 classrooms. The role involves supervising students, assisting with instructional materials, and collaborating with teachers to promote student success. Required qualifications include an Illinois Paraprofessional License and the ability to maintain a respectful learning environment. Benefits include medical insurance and paid personal days. This position fosters inclusive practices and aims to create equitable opportunities for all students.

Qualifications

• Required: Illinois Paraprofessional License.
• Preferred: Associate’s Degree or higher education.
• Ability to collaborate with teachers and address student needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic and instructional support to students.
• Supervise students during various activities.
• Maintain a safe and respectful learning environment.

Skills

Effective instructional support strategies

Behavioral management techniques

Positive reinforcement methods

Education

Illinois Paraprofessional License

Associate’s Degree

Job description

Job Summary

Reports To: Building Administration & Core Instruction Administration
Primary Reporting Location: —
Assigned School: —
Level: Elementary K‑5
Compensation: In accordance with Oak Park Teachers' Assistants Association
Date Available: SY25-26
Bargaining Unit & Classification: OPTAA & Classified
Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance available
• Paid sick & personal days
• Pre‑tax retirement plans (e.g., 403b)

Ideal Team Member Profile

• Champions the district's vision and drives forward‑thinking, innovative practices that anticipate future educational needs.
• Stewards public trust and resources with fiscal responsibility and ethical transparency.
• Demonstrates relentless commitment to student success, ensuring that every decision supports equitable opportunities and outcomes for all learners.
• Organizes and empowers teams to work collaboratively toward shared goals, recognizing the interdependence of roles across departments and schools.
• Fosters a culture of care, learning, and service, grounded in authentic engagement with students, families, staff, and community members.
• Models integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality, serving as a role model for ethical and respectful conduct at all levels.
• Thrives in a culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse environment, showing a deep passion for inclusive practices and building belonging for all team members.
• Seeks and embraces feedback, especially when it challenges them to grow and improve in service of students and colleagues.
• Understands the powerful intersection of leadership, learning, and equity, and aligns their work to dismantle systemic barriers.
• Courageously addresses unprofessional behavior, holding self and others accountable to high standards in service to the community and students.

About The Role

The Teacher Assistant position supports student learning by providing support to the student(s) and teacher in the classroom with the specific responsibility of assisting with the supervision of students, the implementation of prescribed programs, the maintenance of records, and the use of various instructional tools in support of the educational program/the teacher's identified lesson. As a key member of the district’s Teacher Assistant workforce, the candidate will interact with and respond to students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members in ways that demonstrate alignment with the district’s equity commitments. Equity is at the center of the Teacher Assistant services to positively impact student learning and employee practices, as expressed in Board Policy 7:12.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional and Academic Support

• Provide academic and instructional support to students individually, in small groups, or in full classroom settings, under the guidance of a teacher.
• Support students in core subjects, including reading, writing, and math.
• Assist in implementing instructional modifications and interventions for students.
• Assist in the preparation and organization of instructional materials, technology, and equipment for lessons and activities.
• Collect data and chart student progress on academic and behavioral goals, as directed.

Student Supervision and Behavioral Support

• Supervise students during arrival, departure, lunch, recess, and other non‑instructional times.
• Guide and support students' acquisition of social skills.
• Implement and assist with behavioral management systems, including providing feedback and positive reinforcement consistent with student behavior plans.
• Redirect inappropriate behaviors in a positive and constructive manner.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, respectful, and peaceful environment for all students.

Professionalism and Collaboration

• Maintain a positive, professional, and respectful atmosphere with students, staff, and parents.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and maintain strict confidentiality regarding students and their families.
• Collaborate with the classroom teacher and other team members to create effective schedules and support plans for students.
• Communicate with parents only as directed by the classroom teacher, following established protocols.
• Participate in all required professional development, training, and school functions.
• Utilize time effectively and follow the school’s established communication and conflict resolution procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective instructional support strategies for individual students and small groups.
• Basic academic concepts in core subjects, including reading, writing, and math.
• Behavioral management techniques and positive reinforcement methods.
• District and school policies regarding confidentiality and professional ethics.
• The importance of maintaining a safe, respectful, and confidential learning environment.

Skilled In

• Assisting students with instructional materials, technology, and equipment.
• Providing academic support in reading, writing, and math under the direction of a teacher.
• Supervising students during various school activities, including arrival, departure, and recess.
• Redirecting student behavior and providing positive guidance.
• Collecting and documenting academic and behavioral data.

Ability To

• Implement instructional modifications and interventions as directed by a teacher.
• Effectively collaborate with teachers, staff, and other team members to support student success.
• Communicate professionally and appropriately with students, staff, and parents.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student and family information.
• Participate in professional development and training to enhance skills.

Candidate Qualifications

• Illinois Paraprofessional License (minimally required)
• Associate’s Degree (preferred)
• Illinois Professional Educator License
• Illinois Substitute Teacher License

Physical Requirements

This position requires the performance of light work—including exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently—to move objects. The role includes close visual acuity, frequent talking, hearing, walking, climbing stairs, standing, occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling. Some stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling may be required, as well as significant fine finger dexterity. The job is performed in a non‑hazardous environment with both indoor and outdoor supervision during varying temperatures.

Application Process

Applications are currently being accepted for this position via the district website. For questions about the application process, please contact our human resources department at [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Statement

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 is an equal‑opportunity employer. We actively seek to recruit, employ, support, and retain racially and linguistically diverse and culturally competent personnel. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodations may be made for applicants with disabilities.