Teacher Assistant

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Basic Life Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b)

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools seeks a Teacher Assistant to support instructional activities under teacher supervision. Responsibilities include supervising students at lunch and playground, assisting with classroom tasks, and helping with materials and displays.

The role requires a valid ISBE paraprofessional license (60 college hours or Work Keys/Parapro). Strong English and math basics are helpful, with good communication skills highly valued.

Qualifications

• Certification requirements: valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from ISBE.
• Successful completion of at least 60 college credit hours or paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro).
• Knowledge of CPS rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise students during lunch and recess.
• Assist teachers with classroom activities and displays.
• Operate AV equipment and photocopiers.
• Assist in grading homework and exams under teacher supervision.
• Assist with loading/unloading of students on buses.
• Communicate absences to parents/guardians.

Skills

Good communication

Basic math

English grammar

Public interaction

Education

TASN paraprofessional license (ISBE)

Tools

Office equipment

Job description

CLASS TITLE

Teacher Assistant

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS

Under the general direction of the school principal, and under the immediate supervision of a teacher holding a valid state certificate directly engaged in teaching subject matter or conducting activities, assists in the instruction of pupils; and performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assists in the supervision of students during lunchroom and playground activities, provides security functions within the school such as monitoring corridors and reviewing student identification cards, assists students in understanding and completing classroom assignments, assists teachers in preparing bulletin boards and displaying students work in classrooms, operates photocopying and duplicating machines to reproduce educational materials, assists in maintaining the orderly arrangement of classrooms, greets and directs visitors to appropriate areas of the school, consults with teachers regarding concerns of individual students, operates audio-visual equipment such as video cassette recorders, movie projectors, film strip projectors, tape recorders, and phonographs; provides tutoring services to students under the supervision of the classroom teacher; assists in collecting and grading students’ homework assignments and examination materials under the supervision of the classroom teacher; assists in supervising the loading and unloading of students on school busses; assists in the receipt, processing, and issuance of new books under the supervision of the classroom teacher; collects daily classroom absentee reports and contacts parents and guardians to verify causes of student absences; may assist elementary school teachers with wraps and toilet recesses as necessary; may assist in the supervision of the school procedure to sell public transportation passes to students.

Minimum Qualifications

Certification Requirements. Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which may be applied for and obtained after the successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro). Also refer to:

• Illinois State Board of Education
• Educator License Application
• Work Keys
• Paraprofessional Assessment

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skill

Good knowledge of proper English grammar and spelling, basic knowledge of mathematics, knowledge of Chicago Public Schools rules and regulations.

Ability to work with and for school-aged children, ability to follow written and oral instructions, ability to operate basic office equipment, ability to communicate effectively with the public.

Good oral and written communication skills, good reading skills, skill in operating audio-visual equipment and personal computers is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

Light Work: Exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, or up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force frequently to move objects. Even though weight of force moved may be only a negligible amount, a position should be rated as Light Work (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing or pulling of arm controls.

Benefits

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS Is Committed To Providing Comprehensive Health Coverage To Our Employees And Their Eligible Dependents. You'll Have Access To a Variety Of Choices To Best Fit Your Needs

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Dental
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Days
• Parental Leaves
• Short-Term Disability
• Religious Holidays
• Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Posting Date

Sep 2, 2026, 8:29:38 PM

Primary Location

North/Northwest Side-4140 North Marine Drive (Walt Disney Magnet School)

Salary Range

$36,476.82 to $54,962.59

CLASS TITLE

Teacher Assistant

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS

Under the general direction of the school principal, and under the immediate supervision of a teacher holding a valid state certificate directly engaged in teaching subject matter or conducting activities, assists in the instruction of pupils; and performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assists in the supervision of students during lunchroom and playground activities, provides security functions within the school such as monitoring corridors and reviewing student identification cards, assists students in understanding and completing classroom assignments, assists teachers in preparing bulletin boards and displaying students work in classrooms, operates photocopying and duplicating machines to reproduce educational materials, assists in maintaining the orderly arrangement of classrooms, greets and directs visitors to appropriate areas of the school, consults with teachers regarding concerns of individual students, operates audio-visual equipment such as video cassette recorders, movie projectors, film strip projectors, tape recorders, and phonographs; provides tutoring services to students under the supervision of the classroom teacher; assists in collecting and grading students’ homework assignments and examination materials under the supervision of the classroom teacher; assists in supervising the loading and unloading of students on school busses; assists in the receipt, processing, and issuance of new books under the supervision of the classroom teacher; collects daily classroom absentee reports and contacts parents and guardians to verify causes of student absences; may assist elementary school teachers with wraps and toilet recesses as necessary; may assist in the supervision of the school procedure to sell public transportation passes to students.

Requirements

Certification Requirements. Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which may be applied for and obtained after the successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro). Also refer to:

• Illinois State Board of Education
• Educator License Application
• Work Keys
• Paraprofessional Assessment

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skill. Good knowledge of proper English grammar and spelling, basic knowledge of mathematics, knowledge of Chicago Public Schools rules and regulations.

Ability to work with and for school-aged children, ability to follow written and oral instructions, ability to operate basic office equipment, ability to communicate effectively with the public.

Good oral and written communication skills, good reading skills, skill in operating audio-visual equipment and personal computers is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements. Light Work: Exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, or up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force frequently to move objects. Even though weight of force moved may be only a negligible amount, a position should be rated as Light Work (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing or pulling of arm controls.