Full Time Teaching Assistant (Grades K - 5)

Overview

Full Time Teaching Assistants play an important support role in schools. At The Gathering Place, they are not only allowed, but encouraged to take the time needed to build deep and meaningful relationships with their students and then use those relationships to create rich and connected communities. Teaching assistants also play a critical role in the operations of a school. They help with arrival, lunch, and dismissal. Teaching assistants are substitutes for lead teachers when lead teachers are out and provide critical support during enrichment classes, recess, and school-wide transitions. Lastly, teaching assistants are expected to elevate the inner-brilliance and voice of every child so that they are seen, affirmed, and validated. They understand that education is an act of social justice and they lean in to that potential. If that sounds like a place you want to work, we'd recommend you apply.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Embody The Gathering Place (TGP) Collective norms.
• Teaching assistants may be asked to support with caregiver communication
• If assisting an arts or enrichment teacher:
• Teaching assistants may be asked to support with caregiver communication
• Assisting includes: small group instruction, 1:1 instruction, or whole group facilitation. It also includes supporting SEL needs or behavior 1:1, in small groups, and /or whole group as well as setting up, organizing and breaking down materials
• Follow existing Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) or contribute to new BSPs.
• Collaborate with teachers, members of the TGP collective, school leaders, and district staff.
• Support the mission and design principles of the district.
• Teaching assistants support lead teachers in executing project-based units of learning that are rooted in authentic and meaningful learning experiences that honor student voice and agency and lead to public exhibitions of work
• Support the social-emotional, behavioral, and academic growth of students.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Compile, maintain and file all reports, records and other required documents
• Assisting includes: small group instruction, 1:1 instruction, or whole group facilitation. It also includes supporting SEL needs or behavior 1:1, in small groups, and /or whole group
• The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties.
• Teaching assistants will be asked to substitute for teachers (homeroom, arts, or enrichment) when teachers are not present
• If assisting a homeroom teacher:
• Support teacher(s) with an assigned caseload of children
• Teaching assistants support lead teachers in academic instruction
• Establish and maintain healthy working relationships with students and families.
• Follow Individual Education Programs (IEPs), contribute to the creation/updating of IEPs (if applicable), and participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings (if asked to attend).
• Adapt teaching methods, lessons, and materials to meet each student's needs.
• Attend critical school events such as professional development days, school events for students, and school events for caregivers and/or community members.
• Participate in daily functions of the schools including but not limited to arrival and dismissal duties, lunch duties, recess monitoring, tardy systems, and coverage.
• Support with narratives, assessments, showcases as well as other periodic updates of progress
• Implement TGP school norms, behavior structures and expectations, behavior management systems, and restorative practices.
• Overall, all teaching assistants will:
• Create a classroom environment that is safe, well-maintained, and reflects the TGP model.
• Embrace a culture of feedback to continue developing skills that support children's learning and development.
• Meet professional obligations including timeliness and consistency in meeting deadlines, among all other policies outlined in the Staff Handbook.
• Teaching assistants support lead teachers in arts and enrichment courses
• Follow existing 504 plans or contribute to new 504 plans.
• Teaching assistants will be asked to substitute for teachers (homeroom, arts, or enrichment) when teachers are not present

Additional Detail

• The workday is 7:15 - 4:30 pm. Some evening events will be required like exhibitions of learning (showcases) or school events.
• There will be one, one-hour staff meeting after school from 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM every two weeks that are required for this role.
• This role will be responsible for substituting and covering classes of any grade level or arts & enrichment classes for part or all of the day.
• This role may be asked to perform additional responsibilities related to ongoing needs of the school throughout the year.
• This is a full-time, 10-month non-exempt position.
• There are three weeks of required summer professional development starting mid-July and several professional development days built into the calendar throughout the year.
• This role has access to high-quality health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• This role has a 30 minute duty-free lunch.
• This role may be asked to serve on campus or district committees.
• This role has two 20 minute breaks. Breaks are intended to happen each day, but may be lost due to substituting or coverage responsibilities.
• The Gathering Place pays into TRS (Teacher Retirement System of Texas).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or its equivalent
• Experience teaching and/or working with young children is strongly valued

Compensation

• Compensation: $25,000 / year
• Teaching assistants are not paid during breaks or lunch

Commitment to Diversity

The Gathering Place seeks to establish a diverse staff that reflects the identities of our children. We do not and shall not discriminate on the basis of a person's actual or perceived identity with regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, nationality, pregnancy, political or religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, parental status, or any other distinguishing physical, or genetic characteristics. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff as well as potential staff members.