Teaching Assistant - Alternative Education

Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES; City of Johnstown (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Adirondack Academy, a program within HFM BOCES in Johnstown, NY, seeks a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support students in grades 9–12 in an alternative education setting. The successful candidate will assist teachers, provide academic and social-emotional support, and help create a safe, welcoming classroom environment.

The role requires patience, flexibility, and strong communication. NYS Teaching Assistant Certification or eligibility is preferred, with a collaborative approach to meeting

Qualifications

• Must have NYS Teaching Assistant Certification or be eligible.
• Flexible, patient, and understanding approach to working with adolescents.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and positive in challenging situations.
• Willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Interest in trauma-informed practices and supporting students with diverse needs.
• Ability to be flexible, adaptable, and responsive to student needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with daily classroom instruction and activities.
• Provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to students.
• Build positive relationships with students while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Help create a safe, supportive learning environment.
• Demonstrate flexibility and patience in challenging situations.
• Support students in developing positive behaviors, independence, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to meet diverse student needs.

Skills

NY Teaching Assistant Certification

Student support

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Calm under pressure

Team collaboration

Trauma-informed practices

Flexibility/adaptability

Education

NY Teaching Assistant Certification (or eligibility)

Job description

Teaching Assistant

Adirondack Academy - HFM BOCES
Johnstown, NY

Adirondack Academy, an alternative high school serving students in grades 9–12, is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join our team.

The ideal candidate is flexible, understanding, and patient, with a genuine desire to help students succeed. Working in an alternative education setting can be both challenging and rewarding. We are looking for someone who can build positive relationships with students, adapt to changing needs, and provide support in a variety of classroom situations.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist teachers with daily classroom instruction and activities.
• Provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to students.
• Build positive relationships with students while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Help create a safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environment.
• Demonstrate flexibility and patience when responding to challenging situations.
• Support students in developing positive behaviors, independence, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborate with teachers and other staff to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Why Adirondack Academy?

At Adirondack Academy, we understand that strong relationships are the foundation of student success. Our team is committed to creating a supportive, structured, and student-centered environment where young people can build confidence, develop resilience, and achieve meaningful growth. Staff members have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping students navigate challenges and discover their strengths.

*Salary commensurate with experience.

• New York State Teaching Assistant Certification (or eligibility for certification).
• A flexible, patient, and understanding approach to working with adolescents.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and positive in challenging situations.
• Willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• An interest in trauma-informed practices and supporting students with diverse needs.
• Ability to be flexible, adaptable, and responsive to student needs.

TEACH Clearance

Per Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, to be employed in a position designated by a school district or BOCES as involving direct contact with students, a clearance for employment from the State Education Department is required. Formal job offer/selection is contingent on candidate's ability to obtain a fingerprint security clearance through the TEACH system prior to working. For more information: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tsei/ospra/.

Equal Opportunity / Non-Discrimination

HFM BOCES is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, admissions and employment. HFM BOCES does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious practice, national origin, ethnic group, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability, weight or any other basis prohibited by New York state and/or federal non-discrimination laws in its programs and activities, including admissions and employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the BOCES non-discrimination policies should be directed to Dr. Aaron Bochniak ([e-mail]), Assistant Superintendent for BOCES Operations and Component District Services, [phone], HFM BOCES, 2755 State Highway 67, Johnstown, NY 12095. Inquiries may also be addressed to the Office for Civil Rights at the US Department of Education, 32 Old Slip, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10005, 646-428-3800, [e-mail]. (Revised 9/2020)