Teaching Assistant - Long Term Suspension (Middle and High School Level)

Long Term Suspension (LTS) Teaching Assistant Role

This position reports to the school principal in a midsize urban school district located in the Capital Region of Upstate New York. The Teacher Assistant will play a critical role in assisting teachers in facilitating quality academic and enrichment activities for all students, creating a learning environment that will enhance the academic rigor for all students, and assisting with all instructional duties. This position requires a high degree of flexibility, professionalism and culturally responsive disposition.

The Long Term Suspension Programs are located in each secondary school and provide therapeutic support services to students who are serving long term suspensions. The goal of the program is to ensure students have support they need, reduce time on suspension, and prevent recidivism. Diversion clinicians are assigned to work primarily in specific school(s) to support their long term suspension programs, and will work collaboratively with the Teaching Assistant in the program. The Teaching Assistant will also work closely with the teachers who are assigned to provide academic support to the programs.

Teaching Assistant Expectations

Assist the Teacher in implementing the instructional program spending the majority of the time in direct work with students. These duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist teacher with the organization of instructional materials;

• Work with individual or small groups of students to reinforce skills and concepts previously taught under the supervision of the teacher;

• Work with students to help achieve IEP goal activities under the supervision of the teacher;

• Assist students with education and therapy goals by helping them stay on track, repeating instructions from teacher, scribing, etc;

• Monitoring of student activities in the classroom, halls, and and during arrival & dismissal;

• Assist the teacher during times of crisis;

• Reinforcement of explicitly taught expectations that are reviewed often with students;

• Assist in managing clear and consistent classroom routines;

• To assist the teacher in maintaining conditions affecting the safety and welfare of the students;

• Assist teachers in implementing culturally responsive practices to assists students in improving their literacy skills;

• Collaborates with teachers and leadership to promote a positive and rigorous learning environment;

• All other instructional or non-instructional support needed by immediate supervisor.

Teaching Assistant Key Qualities

• Reflects on practices and modify as necessary to meet the unique needs of all students;

• Passionate about developing relationships with students;

• Set high expectations for students;

• Demonstrates for students the importance of being life-long learners;

• Ability to motivate in a team-oriented, collaborative environment;

• Cares about students' academic and social emotional needs;

• Strives for 100% attendance;

• Dedication to understanding the needs of our students;

• Collaborate with teachers regarding daily and weekly plans and expectations

• Lead a variety of small and large group activities daily;

• Communicate in a proactive and positive manner with Principal and colleagues;

• Build student relationships and a sense of community;

• Must hold a valid New York State Teaching Assistant Certification or Teacher Certification
• TCIS Certification is preferred.
• Experience working in schools with children and families to support diverse learners.

About Schenectady City Schools

With a population of nearly 10,000 students, the Schenectady City School District is one of the largest in the Capital Region. With an incredibly diverse population we are committed to ensuring that all children feel valued, are safe and will learn. We place the highest priority on a culture of equity, ensuring that race, economics, and disability are never predictors of student achievement. Every child in our district counts and will be supported each step of the way, along the path to graduation.

The Schenectady City School District is committed to hiring members of protected classes and residents of the City of Schenectady. For more information on the District's recruitment and hiring plan, please contact the Human Resources Office at 881-2000 ext. 40133. The Schenectady City School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race or gender. This policy is in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Regulations and By-Laws of the Board of Education of the Schenectady City School District.