General Education Teaching Assistant

Oak Park Elementary District 97

About the Role

The Teacher Assistant position supports student learning by assisting the teacher in the classroom. This role involves supervising students, implementing prescribed programs, maintaining records, and using instructional tools to support the educational program. The Teacher Assistant will interact with students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members, aligning with the district's equity commitments. This position ensures equity is central to teacher assistant services to positively impact student learning and employee practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with providing a variety of activities for a balanced program of instruction.
• Reinforce information and instructions following a lesson.
• Work with students in academic studies, basic life skills, and other assigned instruction.
• Implement behavior modification plans and procedures designed for individual students when necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students.
• Maintain positive relationships with all students, school staff, and parents.
• Observe and record student progress.
• Assist students during activities including recess, lunch, and safely getting on and off the bus.
• Assist the classroom teacher and students in daily activities.
• Assist students with academic needs.
• Under the direction of the teacher, maintain students' behavior by utilizing behavior management strategies.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Copy machine
• Computers
• Assistive technology
• Related OT and PT devices
• Other items as required

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, minimum
• Associate's Degree, preferred
• Illinois Professional Educator License or
• Illinois Substitute Teacher License or
• Illinois Paraprofessional License

Content Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to lift students is required.
• Ability to work and communicate with students in an appropriate professional manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Demonstrate knowledge of students' needs, including but not limited to: educational, medical, physical, sensory, speech/language, social/emotional, recreational, vocational, etc., as established by the teacher.
• Operate all equipment related to the support of teacher and/or student needs.

Physical Requirements

• Performance of light work, requiring exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects.
• Includes close visual acuity, frequent talking, hearing, walking, climbing stairs, and standing.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling.
• Some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling.
• Significant fine finger dexterity.
• Job performed in non-hazardous environments and a clean atmosphere.
• Requires indoor and outdoor supervision during varying temperatures and climatic conditions.