Teaching Assistant

Southwest Leadership Academy; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Leadership Academy seeks a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support educators in a collaborative learning environment. This role involves assisting in instructional programs and fostering leadership development in students. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and a commitment to improving educational outcomes for students in high-poverty areas.

Benefits

Medical, Dental and Vision Plan

Flexible Spending Account

401K Matching Plan

Qualifications

• Minimum of an Associate's Degree with preference for a Bachelor's Degree.
• Required criminal history background check, physical, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.
• Interest in working with urban schools and communities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher in achieving educational objectives.
• Support the design of strategies for individual student needs.
• Help maintain a well-organized classroom environment.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Flexibility

Education

Associate's Degree or equivalent

Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Job description

OVERVIEW:

WHO WE ARE-

Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School (SLACS) was founded to address the need for community access to exceptional, leadership based education in the heart of southwest Philadelphia. Currently, Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School supports just under 500 students in grades K-8 in single gender classrooms, leveraging research from the world- renowned Gurian Institute around socio-emotional learning and differentiation between the sexes, fueling growth, leadership and engagement for all students. Classrooms in grades K-1 are supported by two educators from the SLACS team – a lead teacher as well as an Apprentice Teacher, translating to more 1:1 student/teacher instructional time as well as increased opportunities for differentiated instruction for students.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

At SLACS, we believe that every child:

• Is a developing leader waiting to be fostered.
• Is capable of high academic achievement.
• Can positively impact and contribute to the school and community.
• Needs a positive and hopeful definition of reality in order to succeed

We understand the importance of a collaborative learning environment between teachers, parents, and school staff in setting up every child’s educational success.

OUR COMMITMENT

SLACS is committed to building talented and committed cadres of teachers charged with the skills to develop leaders by empowering scholars to change the factors that define their reality. Our staff will work with students to develop the leadership skills necessary to drive complete community rejuvenation in Southwest Philadelphia. In developing these skills, students will cultivate an array of leadership components that they can apply to community change on a global scale.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree (or equivalent) with preference for a Bachelor Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Required criminal history background check, physical and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

PREFERRED

• Interest in working with urban schools, student and communities

QUALIFICATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

A SLACS Teaching Assistant is tasked with providing assistance to instructional programs by assisting the Lead Teacher in achieving educational objectives by working with individual scholars or small groups. The classroom assistant assists the teacher in providing a well-organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment in which scholars can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resource materials. The Teaching Assistant is specifically responsible for, but not limited to:

• Supporting the Lead and Apprentice Teachers to:
  • design strategies to reinforce skills which meet the individual student needs;
  • develop and support an inviting, exciting, and innovative learning environment;
  • deliver an effective instructional program;
  • implement enrichment or remedial work in independent study situations;
  • process student paperwork in accordance with the directions of the teacher.
• Assisting in preparing lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, and demonstrations.
• Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce the learning of information or skills initially introduced by the Lead or Apprentice Teacher.
• Assisting the classroom teachers in maintaining an inventory, organizing educational materials, preparing instructional documents, and other activities which facilitate the educational program.
• Operating and caring for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes.
• Helps students master equipment or materials assigned by the classroom teachers.
• Serving, in emergency situations, as a substitute teacher.

An ideal candidate for this role will demonstrate the following and/or have experiences with:

• Commitment to the success of all SLACS students and specifically to raising the academic achievement of children in high-poverty communities and/ or children with special needs.
• Desire to grow professionally and seek out new opportunities to learn; and integrity and clarity in all communications and interactions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, in addition to computer skills.
• Flexible, optimistic approach; committed to overcoming challenges; problem solving skills.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

SALARY, BENEFITS, AND EMPLOYMENT PERIOD

SALARY RANGE

• Competitive salary based on education and experience.

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental and Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401K Matching Plan

EMPLOYMENT PERIOD

• Ten (10) Months, non-tenureable position