Teacher Assistant

Overview:

For over 50 years, Kohler Academy, A Bancroft School has excelled at providing a high quality education and excellent therapeutic services to exceptional students with very special needs in a safe and nurturing environment. The Kohler Academy team, our students and their families make up our community of learners whose priority and focus is helping each student reach their full potential as they ultimately transition to life beyond high school.

We are looking for Instructional Paraprofessionals to join our dynamic team, to work alongside the special education teacher in the management and organization of a classroom. They will provide positive guidance for students, attending to their physical needs as well as academics and emotional wellbeing. They will also provide much-needed support during instruction time. We are looking for dynamic individuals who enjoy interacting with students with disabilities and supporting therapists and educators.

Responsibilities:

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team as a Teacher Assistant Paraprofessional in a Special Education classroom in New Jersey. The ideal candidate will provide essential support to the classroom teacher in implementing educational programs, managing student behavior, and ensuring a positive and inclusive learning environment for students with special needs.

Responsibilities:

Assist Classroom Teacher: The Teacher Assistant will assume the leadership in the classroom, in the absence of the classroom teacher. Collaborate with the lead teacher to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and instructional activities tailored to meet the individual needs of students with diverse learning abilities.

Student Support: Provide direct assistance and support to students with special needs in both academic and non-academic activities, including but not limited to instruction, behavior management, and personal care.

Classroom Management: Assist in maintaining a positive and structured classroom environment conducive to learning, including managing student behavior, promoting social skills development, and fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

Instructional Support: Reinforce lessons presented by the teacher by working with individual students or small groups to ensure understanding of material and concepts, adapting instructional materials as needed.

Data Collection and Progress Monitoring: Assist in documenting student progress and behavior using designated tools and methods, and communicate observations to the classroom teacher and other relevant staff members.

Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the teacher, related service providers, and other members of the educational team to ensure the effective delivery of services and support for students with special needs.

Personal Care: Provide assistance with personal care tasks, including toileting, feeding, and mobility, as required by individual student needs and in accordance with established protocols.

Professional Development: Participate in training sessions, workshops, and other professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills related to special education, instructional strategies, and behavior management techniques.

Qualifications:

Associates degree in a related field and NJDOE substitute teacher’s certification.

Prior experience working with individuals with special needs, preferably in an educational setting.

Knowledge of and ability to implement behavior management strategies and techniques.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Patience, empathy, and a genuine commitment to supporting the academic and personal growth of students with special needs.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.

Willingness to undergo background checks and fulfill any additional requirements mandated by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Physical Requirements:

The position may require the ability to lift, assist with physical mobility, and engage in activities that require bending, stooping, and standing for extended periods.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or modified to meet the needs of the organization and the students it serves.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

EEO Statement:

Bancroft stands strong against racism and hate of all kinds and supports actions leading to respect, equality, fairness and peace. We advocate for and embrace an inclusive and just world. One world. For everyone. We work with heart, respect and collaboration. We are communicators, listeners, problem solvers, partners and collaborators. Bring your authentic self to our team.

Bancroft is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and supports diversity, equity and inclusion in its hiring and employment practices, so that every team member can feel a true sense of belonging, and maximize their unique potential. To this end, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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