Teacher Assistant (PreK Instruction)

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

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools in Chicago, IL is seeking a Teacher Assistant to support instructional activities under a licensed teacher. The role includes supervising students, helping with classroom materials, and assisting with assignments.

Qualifications include a valid ISBE paraprofessional license or 60 college credits, plus strong English grammar and basic math. Excellent communication and ability to work with children are essential; some clerical and AV tasks may be required.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid ISBE paraprofessional license or have 60 college credits, or have passed a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro).
• Strong knowledge of proper English grammar and spelling; basic mathematics.
• Ability to work with school‑aged children and follow written and oral instructions; communicate effectively.
• Experience with basic office equipment and audio‑visual tools is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Supervise students during lunchroom and playground activities.
• Assist teachers in preparing bulletin boards and displaying student work.
• Assist in collecting and grading homework and examination materials.
• Support in loading/unloading students on school buses and handling classroom logistics.

Skills

Classroom supervision

Communication with students

Basic math

Education

ISBE paraprofessional license

60 college credits

Tools

Audio-visual equipment

Office equipment

Photocopying machines

Job description

CPS Careers | Search | Apply | Get Hired

Posting Date

Oct 1, 2026, 2:56:57 PM

Primary Location

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.