K3 Teacher Assistant

United Community Center, Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant community center based in Milwaukee seeks dedicated school teachers committed to fostering students' growth in a supportive educational atmosphere. Candidates must possess an Associate's degree in early childhood or relevant credentials and be skilled in communication, collaboration, and organizational abilities. This full-time role emphasizes teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to cater to diverse learning needs while ensuring compliance with educational standards.

Qualifications

• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead teacher in implementing lesson plans aligned with curriculum.
• Support English learners and students with IEPs.
• Help maintain a safe, respectful classroom environment.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Empathy

Education

Associate's degree in early childhood

Early Childhood Credential

Child Development Associate

Tools

Google Forms

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: UCC - Guadalupe South - Milwaukee, WI

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 2 Year Degree

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Education

Description

POSITION SUMMARY: UCC School teachers are responsible for providing an educational atmosphere where students have the opportunity to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and psychological growth. Teachers are responsible for organizing and implementing an instructional curriculum/program that will result in students achieving academic success in accordance with United Community Center’s policies, procedures, and curriculum guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Support

• Support the lead teacher in implementing standards-based, developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with the school’s curriculum and instructional expectations.
• Assist in preparing and organizing instructional materials and activities that accommodate diverse learners.
• Provide targeted assistance and scaffolding to students under the direction of the lead teacher to support the delivery of differentiated instruction.
• Reinforce lessons and skills introduced by the teacher through small-group or one-on-one support.
• Assist in integrating students’ backgrounds, interests, and learning styles into daily activities and routines.
• Help monitor and facilitate student participation in classroom discussions, promoting engagement and critical thinking.
• Support English learners and students with IEPs by following the accommodations and modifications directed by the teacher or specialists.

Curriculum Implementation

Follow the curriculum, lesson plans, and instructional strategies developed by the teacher and aligned with school, district, and state guidelines.

Help implement instructional activities that engage students in meaningful learning experiences and align with grade-level expectations.

Support the integration of technology and creative teaching tools to enhance the learning environment.

Modify and prepare instructional resources as directed by the teacher to meet the needs of students with varying abilities and backgrounds.

Participate in professional development opportunities related to curriculum and instructional support as needed.

Student Assessment Support

• Assist with preparing, administering, and collecting formative and summative assessments.
• Support the teacher in monitoring and documenting student progress, including observations and work samples.
• Provide constructive feedback to students during instructional activities under the direction of the teacher.
• Encourage student self-reflection and goal-setting as part of classroom routines.
• Help implement strategies to support students facing academic or behavioral challenges, as advised by the teacher or support staff.

Classroom Management

• Help establish and maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel supported and encouraged.
• Reinforce classroom rules and expectations set by the teacher through consistent and respectful behavior management.
• Supervise students in the classroom and in various school settings (hallways, gross motor areas, bathroom, cafeteria, etc.) to ensure safety and order.
• Encourage positive social interactions and help maintain a well-organized, welcoming, and culturally responsive classroom space.
• Promote student responsibility for maintaining classroom norms and routines.

Social-Emotional Learning & Student Support

Assist in the implementation of Tier 1 SEL strategies and classroom routines that promote student well-being and a positive learning climate.

Build supportive relationships with students to help them feel valued, respected, and emotionally secure.

Model and encourage behaviors such as empathy, cooperation, emotional regulation, and responsible decision-making.

Observe and report any signs of social, emotional, or behavioral concerns to the teacher and support team.

Collaborate with the lead teacher, school counselor, and support staff to address student needs as they arise.

Communication & Family Engagement:

• Communicates effectively both orally and in writing with students, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis regarding students’ progress, behavior, areas for growth, and upcoming events.
• Builds trust and rapport with students, families, and colleagues to effectively support student achievement and growth.
• Counsel’s pupils’ academic and behavioral attitudes and achievements with parents throughout the year
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss individual student performance and set goals for improvement.
• Collaborate with parents to support students’ learning at home and encourage parental involvement in school activities.
• Model professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, peers, and the community.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with students, parents, and other professionals.
• Share academic and behavioral updates in a clear, empathetic, and strengths-based manner.
• Collaborate with students, families, counselors, support staff, and school administrators when addressing student needs or concerns.
• Participate in family-teacher conferences and contribute to school events or family engagement opportunities.

Professional Development:

Engage in continuous professional development to stay updated on the latest teaching methods, educational trends, and curriculum developments.

Participate in staff meetings, workshops, and training sessions to enhance teaching skills and contribute to the school community.

Participates in all required training and meetings, as well as school and UCC training and meetings.

Reflect on teaching practices and seek opportunities for continuous improvement.

Engage in professional learning communities and schoolwide initiatives.

Uphold ethical practices and professional conduct.

Collaborate with colleagues, support staff, and administration to support student success.

Contribute to a positive school culture and shared leadership.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and support staff to create and enhance a cohesive and supportive educational environment and to promote a positive school culture, cross-grade alignment, and shared best practices.

Work closely with special education teachers, counselors, and other professionals to provide individualized support for students with special needs

Meets professional obligations through efficient work habits such as meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, collaborating with other staff, etc.

Collaborate with student support teams (e.g., MTSS, 504, IEP) to develop and implement academic or behavioral support plans.

Participate in data meetings and problem-solving sessions to identify student needs and recommend interventions.

Partner with the school counselor and other specialists to support students experiencing trauma, transitions, or other significant challenges.

Support classroom behavior through proactive management strategies and, when appropriate, restorative practices.

Records and Documentation:

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of students' attendance, academic performance, and behavior incidents.

Prepare progress reports, report cards, and other documentation in a timely manner, following school policies and procedures.

Arranges classroom events and activities and collects the appropriate documentation in advance of field trips and other school functions.

Uphold school, district, and state policies regarding child safety, mandated reporting, and confidentiality.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor.

COMPLIANCE AND POLICY ADHERENCE

Ensure compliance with all Head Start Program Performance Standards, including child safety, documentation, supervision, and classroom quality standards.

Adhere to all State Licensing regulations (DPI and DCF), including mandated ratios, health and safety protocols, and staff training requirements.

Support and uphold Young Star quality standards by implementing developmentally appropriate practices, continuous quality improvement, and family engagement.

Maintain program quality in accordance with the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) criteria, including curriculum implementation, assessments, and teacher-child interactions.

Follow the guidelines and expectations outlined in the Early Learning Staff Handbook, including attendance, communication, professional conduct, and daily responsibilities.

Comply with all UCC Personnel Policies, including confidentiality, workplace expectations, and team collaboration.

Participate in required professional development and training hours to meet federal, state, and accreditation requirements.

Ensure active supervision of children at all times, as required by Head Start, licensing, United Community and NAC guidelines.

Accurately complete and submit required documentation (e.g., lesson plans, child observations, incident reports) in a timely manner.

Demonstrate cultural competency and uphold program values of equity, inclusion, and respect in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues.

Check and respond to emails to ensure timely communication with supervisors, team members, and families, in alignment with agency expectations and professional responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Demonstrates Basic computer knowledge, Basic knowledge of Excel, word, and Google Forms, and other Google applications.

Demonstrates leadership in the classroom.

Demonstrates enthusiasm towards students, parents, and staff from diverse backgrounds.

Demonstrate the ability to adapt to any situation inside and outside the classroom.

Demonstrates organizational skills for the classroom and school environment.

Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills with students, families, school staff, and administration.

Demonstrates the ability to multitask and prioritize work.

Demonstrates the ability to self-reflect and seek feedback to improve practices.

Demonstrates a growth mindset committed to continuous learning, growth, and development.

Demonstrates the ability to work as a team as well as independently.

Demonstrates respect towards the students, parents, colleagues, and administrators.

Demonstrates knowledge to work with students’ special needs and parents.

Demonstrate the ability to listen to others and remain receptive to new ideas.

Demonstrate the ability to address criticism in an appropriate manner and develop constructive outcomes.

Demonstrate sustained effort and enthusiasm in the quality and quantity of work.

Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with staff, students, and the community.

Demonstrate effective time management, organizational skills, and prioritization of work to meet the needs of the users.

Demonstrate the ability to follow and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Demonstrate motivation, initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work independently.

Demonstrate excellent human relations and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrates honesty, dependability, and the ability to meet deadlines and other professional expectations.

Qualifications

Associate's degree in early childhood, valid Early Childhood Credential, or Child Development Associate. Must possess strong oral and written communication skills. The candidate should be able to work independently with little direct supervision, work as part of a team, accept responsibilities, and be self-motivated. Must display effective multitasking and time management skills.

Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Working Conditions:

• Noise level ranges from moderate to high, depending on the activity.
• Frequent physical activity is required, including standing, walking, running, bending, and going up and down stairs.
• Active participation and demonstration in athletic exercises and physical education lessons.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions during outdoor activities.
• Responsible for monitoring student behavior and ensuring a safe environment during physical activity.
• May require early morning, evening, or weekend hours for extracurricular sports or events.
• May be required to lift up to 40 pounds

Working Conditions:

• Noise level ranges from moderate to high, depending on the activity.

  Frequent physical activity is required, including standing, walking, running, bending, and going up and down stairs.

  Active participation and demonstration in athletic exercises and physical education lessons.

  Exposure to varying weather conditions during outdoor activities.

  Responsible for monitoring student behavior and ensuring a safe environment during physical activity.

  May require early morning, evening, or weekend hours for extracurricular sports or events.

  May be required to lift up to 40 pounds