The Gathering Place Hiring for Full Time Teaching Assistant (Grades K – ) at San Antonio, TX Full Time

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:

• Support the mission and design principles of the district.
• Embody The Gathering Place (TGP) Collective norms.
• Support teacher(s) with an assigned caseload of children
• If assisting a homeroom teacher:
• 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
• Teaching assistants support lead teachers in academic instruction
• Teaching assistants will be asked to substitute for teachers (homeroom, arts, or enrichment) when teachers are not present
• 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
• Teaching assistants may be asked to support with caregiver communication
• If assisting an arts or enrichment teacher:
• Teaching assistants support lead teachers in arts and enrichment courses
• 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
• Teaching assistants will be asked to substitute for teachers (homeroom, arts, or enrichment) when teachers are not present
• Teaching assistants may be asked to support with caregiver communication
• Overall, all teaching assistants will:
• Support the social-emotional, behavioral, and academic growth of students.
• Adapt teaching methods, lessons, and materials to meet each student’s needs.
• Create a classroom environment that is safe, well-maintained, and reflects the TGP model.
• Implement TGP school norms, behavior structures and expectations, behavior management systems, and restorative practices.
• 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).
• Follow existing 504 plans or contribute to new 504 plans.
• Follow existing Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) or contribute to new BSPs.
• Embrace a culture of feedback to continue developing skills that support children’s learning and development.
• Collaborate with teachers, members of the TGP collective, school leaders, and district staff.
• Establish and maintain healthy working relationships with students and families.
• Participate in daily functions of the schools including but not limited to arrival and dismissal duties, lunch duties, recess monitoring, tardy systems, and coverage.
• Attend critical school events such as professional development days, school events for students, and school events for caregivers and/or community members.
• Meet professional obligations including timeliness and consistency in meeting deadlines, among all other policies outlined in the Staff Handbook.
• Support with narratives, assessments, showcases as well as other periodic updates of progress
• Compile, maintain and file all s, records and other required documents
• The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Detail

• This is a full-time, 10-month non-exempt position.
• The Gathering Place pays into TRS (Teacher Retirement System of Texas).
• This role has access to high-quality health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• This role has a 30 minute duty-free lunch.
• This role has two 20 minute breaks. Breaks are intended to happen each day, but may be lost due to substituting or coverage responsibilities.
• 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 role may be asked to serve on campus or district committees.
• 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.
• There are three weeks of required summer professional development starting mid-July and several professional development days built into the calendar throughout the year.

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.