K-1 Instructional Assistant @ Sugar Creek Charter School

SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Sugar Creek Charter School (SCCS) is committed to building a team of dedicated educators, leaders, and role models who believe in the potential of every child and are passionate about making a lasting impact on students' lives.

Our vision is to serve as many students as possible during their formative years, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to become educated, productive, and successful citizens. Through high expectations, intentional instruction, and a commitment to continuous improvement, SCCS strives to create an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Our mission is to eradicate generational poverty by providing a rigorous K–12 education that emphasizes academic achievement, college and career readiness, and the development of essential life skills for long-term success.

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT EXPECTATIONS

The Instructional Assistant plays a critical role in supporting high-quality instruction, student achievement, and a safe, positive learning environment. Working collaboratively with classroom teachers and school leadership, the Instructional Assistant is expected to demonstrate instructional urgency, professionalism, flexibility, and a commitment to student success.

Instructional Support and Student Achievement

• Assist classroom teachers in delivering engaging, standards-aligned instruction that meets the diverse academic and developmental needs of students.
• Provide individualized and small-group instructional support to reinforce concepts, address learning gaps, and accelerate student achievement.
• Implement research-based instructional strategies, including gradual release, scaffolding, differentiation, and targeted interventions, under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Support the implementation of lesson plans, instructional activities, assessments, and classroom routines to maximize instructional time.
• Use student performance data, teacher guidance, and ongoing observations to provide timely feedback and targeted academic support.
• Maintain high expectations for student engagement, participation, academic performance, and completion of assigned tasks.

Classroom Management and Student Safety

• Actively supervise students during instructional and noninstructional activities, including transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, and other assigned duties.
• Consistently reinforce schoolwide behavior expectations and support the implementation of classroom management systems and individualized student support plans.
• Promote a safe, structured, inclusive, and positive learning environment that supports the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development of all students.
• Respond appropriately to student needs and behavioral concerns while following established school policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Maintain student confidentiality and demonstrate sound professional judgment when handling sensitive student information.

Collaboration and Professionalism

• Collaborate effectively with classroom teachers, administrators, support staff, and families to promote student achievement and well-being.
• Establish positive, respectful, and professional relationships with students, colleagues, families, and other school stakeholders.
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to support the changing needs of students, classrooms, and the school.
• Communicate proactively with classroom teachers regarding student progress, instructional needs, behavioral concerns, and classroom operations.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset by actively participating in professional development, seeking feedback, and applying coaching to improve performance.
• Uphold the mission, core values, professional expectations, and instructional priorities of Sugar Creek Charter School.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with classroom preparation, instructional materials, recordkeeping, and other tasks necessary to support effective classroom operations.
• Provide instructional and supervisory coverage as assigned to support continuity of student learning and school operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the classroom teacher, Principal, Superintendent, or other designated supervisory personnel.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited institution OR completion of at least 48 semester hours of college coursework from an accredited institution.
• Basic understanding of effective instructional practices, classroom management, and student development.
• Ability to support students with diverse academic, behavioral, developmental, and learning needs, including students receiving exceptional children's services.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to follow instructional directions, implement feedback, and work effectively under the supervision of a licensed classroom teacher.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and consistently demonstrate professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with students in a K–12 educational setting.
• Experience providing individual or small-group instructional support.
• Familiarity with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, differentiated instruction, and evidence-based instructional strategies.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities, individualized education programs (IEPs), or specialized learning needs.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, student achievement, and the mission of Sugar Creek Charter School.