About this role
Traphagen School is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and student-centered Teaching Assistant to join our elementary school community. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with classroom teachers, special education staff, related service providers, and school administrators to provide academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and instructional support to students in both general and special education settings.
The Teaching Assistant will support the implementation of high-quality instruction and differentiated learning experiences while helping to maintain a safe, structured, inclusive, and nurturing classroom environment. The ideal candidate demonstrates patience, flexibility, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to supporting the academic and developmental needs of elementary-aged students.
Primary Responsibilities
- Provide instructional support to individual students and small groups under the direction of the classroom teacher.
- Reinforce academic skills and concepts introduced during whole-group and small-group instruction.
- Support students with diverse learning, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs.
- Assist with the implementation of students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), accommodations, modifications, and behavior support plans, as appropriate.
- Promote student independence, engagement, self-regulation, and positive peer interactions.
- Assist students during classroom transitions and other school activities to ensure student safety and successful participation.
- Collaborate effectively with teachers, related service providers, administrators, and other members of the instructional team.
- Assist with classroom organization, instructional materials, technology, and preparation for learning activities.
- Collect or document student performance and behavioral information as directed by the classroom teacher or instructional team.
- Maintain student confidentiality and demonstrate professional judgment in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues.
- Participate in professional development, faculty meetings, and other school-based activities as required.
- Perform other instructional and student-support responsibilities consistent with the role of a Teaching Assistant.
Preferred Qualifications
- Valid New York State Teaching Assistant certification or appropriate eligibility for certification.
- Experience working with elementary-aged students.
- Experience supporting students with disabilities and diverse learning needs preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to establish positive, supportive relationships with students while maintaining clear and consistent expectations.
- Dependability, flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to work collaboratively as part of a school-based team.