Teacher Assistant

What is this job? 

The Teacher Assistant is a hands-on position which works with an instructional team consisting of a special education/general education teacher and other support staff assigned to the classroom or students. This individual provides instructional and behavioral support for the children in a designated classroom using research-based strategies under the day to day supervision of the special education or general education teacher. The Teacher Assistant will also assist the teacher with preparation and reinforcing of classroom instruction. This position may also deliver evidence-based programs designed for support staff under the direction of a teacher.

What is the Strawbridge School?

The Strawbridge School is a non-public school approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The program provides small, caring classroom settings guided by certified special education teachers.  

The school serves youth with emotional, behavioral, and/or intellectual differences in a supportive and nurturing environment.   Our team addresses the unique educational needs of students who have been unable to thrive in a less restrictive, public-school setting. The Strawbridge School is one of several programs provided by Everstand, a national children and family-focused charity headquartered in Baltimore.

New name, same enduring commitment.

This year, we are celebrating 150 years of serving children and families through our work to enrich communities, one family at a time. As we reflected on our history and contemplated our bright future, one thing become clear: the name “Board of Child Care” no longer represented the vast array of services we offer. We are thrilled to share that our name has changed to Everstand!  Our holistic range of residential, mental and behavioral health support, trauma recovery, case management, and educational services will continue to grow and expand. Learn more about our rebrand at everstand.org. 

What does the benefits package look like? 

• Accrue vacation at the rate of three weeks per year, plus two floating holidays to use, plus 10 paid holidays when Everstand is closed.  That is over 30 days of time off per calendar year! 
• Paid sick and bereavement leave
• Up to 3% annual match to retirement contributions
• Health insurance is available via CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.  
• Professional and career development includes tuition reimbursement program, access to SHRM and other HR professional development seminars, and other paid continuing education opportunities. 

What does this job do specifically?

• Model and act in accordance with Everstands core values. 
• Demonstrate and practice trauma informed leadership.
• Provides individualized behavior and academic supports as prescribed in the Individualized Education Program or as directed by administration.
• Collects data toward specific goals and objectives in the prescribed manner, utilizing the required format.
• Assists the teacher(s) in preparing for and implementing supplemental aids and services along with individualized instruction which support the Individual Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives.
• Supports instructional programs, field trips, and student activities by maintaining a high level of engagement while interacting with students, leading small groups, and completing other instructional tasks as requested by the teacher.
• Works collaboratively with team members to effectively implement student Individualized Education Programs.
• Consults supervisor or behavioral team regarding individualized behavioral and instructional strategies appropriate for students with disabilities.
• Accepts guidance and direction from assigned classroom teacher, while supporting planning, instruction and IEP implementation. 
• Adheres to all polices, practices and expectations for a professional and learning environment. 
• Remains knowledgeable of best practices in the field of special education.
• Maintains accurate and complete data collection, records, files, etc. as required by Strawbridge policies and federal, state and local laws.
• Attends and actively participates in staff/faculty meetings, Interdisciplinary Meetings, staff/teacher meetings, Planning Conferences, in-service training programs, etc.
• Employs provided electronic tools for attendance (e.g. Jupiter Grades), leave reporting (e.g. ADP), etc.
• Observes and assesses student behavior to establish and maintain discipline in the classroom conducive to effective learning.

What experience and education do I need?

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology or a related field

Preferred Education and Experience

• One year of experience in education, clinical mental health, or related field.

Other Job Requirements

• Effective and professional communication skills required to engage with teachers, staff, and students
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Able to work cooperatively with others.
• Able to learn and effectively utilize different technology platforms.
• Excellent computer use knowledge with Microsoft Windows 10 and 365 Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 
• Proven effective time management, planning, communication, and interpersonal skills

This job description is a general outline of the duties and requirements involved in this role. A full job description will be provided to candidates during the interview process. 

Everstand is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, national origin, genetic information, pregnancy, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, marital or veterans status. Everstand is a drug, tobacco and alcohol-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer by choice.