Teacher Assistant (PreK Instruction)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Pension plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools seeks a Teacher Assistant to support classroom activities and supervise students under a licensed teacher. You will assist with instruction, grading, and student attendance coordination.

The role involves supervising lunchrooms and playgrounds, operating AV equipment, and helping prepare instructional materials, under teacher guidance.

Qualifications

• Valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from ISBE or eligible for it after completing 60 college hours or paraprofessional exam.
• Good knowledge of English grammar and spelling; basic math.
• Ability to work with school-aged children and follow instructions.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise students during lunchroom and playground activities.
• Assist teachers with classroom activities and bulletin boards.
• Operate basic office equipment and educational materials duplicating machines.
• Assist in loading/unloading students on school buses and transporting books.
• Contact parents to verify absences and maintain attendance records.

Skills

English grammar

Mathematics basics

Student interaction

Communication skills

Education

60 college credit hours

Paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro)

Tools

Photocopying equipment

Audio-visual equipment

Job description

CPS Careers | Search | Apply | Get Hired

Posting Date

: Sep 23, 2026, 6:16:02 PM

Primary Location

: South Side-7525 South Harvard Avenue (John Harvard Elem Sch of Excel)

Salary Range : $36,476.82 to $54,962.59

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:

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.

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
• 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:

Keep in touch to hear about our organization.