Teacher Assistant (Immediate Start - SY 21-22)

  • Full-time
  • Hiring Start Time: Immediate Start (SY 21-22)

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 53 outstanding public charter schools in grades K-12 across New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Our mission is to start and manage outstanding urban public charter schools that close the achievement gap and prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in college and beyond. We are accomplishing that mission every day, with a college graduation rate that is well above the national average and thousands of stories of our students and alumni achieving their dreams.

Job Description

POSITION

The Teacher Assistant position provides a unique opportunity for talented individuals with limited or no experience in education to explore the field of education and to gain hands-on practice on supporting the mission critical work of teachers.  Teacher Assistants will have an opportunity to observe best practices in classroom instruction and education reform from experienced teachers and school leaders at a leading charter management organization. Teacher Assistants will support teachers with tutoring, grading, data analysis, and administrative support.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist teachers with instruction, assessments, grading, and other classroom responsibilities;
  • Potentially teach small groups of students;
  • Support students by providing one-on-one and small group tutoring daily, and small group intervention and student support;
  • Observe Master Teachers in order to improve instructional techniques and classroom management;
  • Provide administrative support including but not limited to copies, hallway duty, organizing classroom materials, etc.

As appropriate, perform all duties expected of staff, including but not limited to:

  • Participating in grade-level activities, and school-wide functions, events, and trips;
  • Providing consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior;
  • Serving as an advisor to a small group of students;  
  • Supervising students during transitions, breakfast, lunch and afterschool;  
  • Communicating effectively with students, families, and colleagues;
  • Participating in an annual three-week staff orientation and training.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
  • Evidence of self-motivation, willingness to be a team player, and has a strong sense of personal responsibility;
  • Ideal candidates are hard-working, urgent, energetic, and are willing to learn and adapt;
  • Is extremely reflective and constantly wants to improve;
  • is flexible and enjoys dealing with unpredictability;
  • Strong time management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines;
  • A strong candidate will possess strong organizational skills, communication skills (particularly with children), and problem solving skills;
  • Interest in performing a critical support role and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, results-oriented environment;
  • Prior experience working in schools and/or urban communities is preferred but not required;
  • Relentless commitment to mission of educating urban students. Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree is preferred, but not required.  A background in education is not required, though candidates should show a demonstrated passion for working with K-12 students.

COMPENSATION

This is a paid teaching apprenticeship, including comprehensive health benefits. Aside from extensive professional development, all our teachers are equipped with a laptop computer, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary instructional supplies.

Additional Information

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for important dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.