What are the responsibilities and job description for the 4th-5th Grade Instructional Teacher Assistant (1:1) position at Oak Park Elementary District 97?
Teacher Assistant
Revised September 2025
Perm/contract
SY25-26
Department
Core Instruction
FLSA Status
Non-exempt
Reports To
Building Administration & Core Instruction Administration
Primary Reporting Location:
Whittier Elementary School
Level
Elementary: K-5
Compensation
In accordance with Oak Park Teachers' Assistants Association
Date Available
SY25-26
Bargaining Unit & Classification
OPTAA & Classified
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Benefits
Insurance: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance are available
Benefit Days: Paid sick & personal days provides
Retirement: pre-tax retirement plans (e.g. 403b available)
D97 Ideal Team Member Profile
The Teacher Assistant position supports student learning by providing support to the student(s) and teacher in the classroom with the specific responsibility of assisting with the supervision of students, the implementation of prescribed programs, the maintenance of records, and the use of various instructional tools in support of the educational program/the teacher's identified lesson. As a key member of the district’s the teacher assistant position will interact with and respond to students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members in ways that demonstrates their alignment and agreement with the district’s equity commitments. The teacher assistant position will ensure that equity is at the center of the district's teacher assistant services to positively impact student learning and employee practices as expressed in Board Policy 7:12: Ensuring Racial and Educational Equity.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Instructional and Academic Support
Content Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Physical Requirements
This position requires the performance of light work—which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects. The position includes close visual acuity, frequent talking, hearing, walking, climbing stairs and standing, occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity. The job is performed in non-hazardous environments and a clean atmosphere. The position requires indoor and outdoor supervision during varying temperatures and climatic conditions.
Apply Through Frontline
Applications are currently being accepted for this position via our district website. Please reach out to our human resources department at district97hr@op97.org, if you have questions about the application process.
We encourage interested applicants to apply, as we continue to uplift our equity policy. Our goal is to recruit, employ, support, and retain racially and linguistically diverse and culturally competent administrative, instructional and support personnel. Oak Park Elementary School District 97 is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The mental demands, physical demands, and work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow an employee with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Revised September 2025
Perm/contract
SY25-26
Department
Core Instruction
FLSA Status
Non-exempt
Reports To
Building Administration & Core Instruction Administration
Primary Reporting Location:
Whittier Elementary School
Level
Elementary: K-5
Compensation
In accordance with Oak Park Teachers' Assistants Association
Date Available
SY25-26
Bargaining Unit & Classification
OPTAA & Classified
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Benefits
Insurance: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance are available
Benefit Days: Paid sick & personal days provides
Retirement: pre-tax retirement plans (e.g. 403b available)
D97 Ideal Team Member Profile
- The ideal team member in District 97 is a visionary and equity-centered leader who inspires excellence and fosters collective responsibility for student success. This individual:
- Champions the district's vision and drives forward-thinking, innovative practices that anticipate future educational needs.
- Stewards public trust and resources with fiscal responsibility and ethical transparency.
- Demonstrates relentless commitment to student success, ensuring that every decision supports equitable opportunities and outcomes for all learners.
- Organizes and empowers teams to work collaboratively toward shared goals, recognizing the interdependence of roles across departments and schools.
- Fosters a culture of care, learning, and service, grounded in authentic engagement with students, families, staff, and community members.
- Models integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality, serving as a role model for ethical and respectful conduct at all levels.
- Thrives in a culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse environment, showing a deep passion for inclusive practices and building belonging for all team members.
- Seeks and embraces feedback, especially when it challenges them to grow and improve in service of students and colleagues.
- Understands the powerful intersection of leadership, learning, and equity, and aligns their work to dismantle systemic barriers.
- Courageously addresses unprofessional behavior, holding self and others accountable to high standards in service to the community and students.
The Teacher Assistant position supports student learning by providing support to the student(s) and teacher in the classroom with the specific responsibility of assisting with the supervision of students, the implementation of prescribed programs, the maintenance of records, and the use of various instructional tools in support of the educational program/the teacher's identified lesson. As a key member of the district’s the teacher assistant position will interact with and respond to students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members in ways that demonstrates their alignment and agreement with the district’s equity commitments. The teacher assistant position will ensure that equity is at the center of the district's teacher assistant services to positively impact student learning and employee practices as expressed in Board Policy 7:12: Ensuring Racial and Educational Equity.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Instructional and Academic Support
- Provide academic and instructional support to students individually, in small groups, or in full classroom settings, under the guidance of a teacher.
- Support students in core subjects, including reading, writing, and math.
- Assist in implementing instructional modifications and interventions for students.
- Assist in the preparation and organization of instructional materials, technology, and equipment for lessons and activities.
- Collect data and chart student progress on academic and behavioral goals, as directed.
- Supervise students during arrival, departure, lunch, recess, and other non-instructional times.
- Guide and support students' acquisition of social skills.
- Implement and assist with behavioral management systems, including providing feedback and positive reinforcement consistent with student behavior plans.
- Redirect inappropriate behaviors in a positive and constructive manner.
- Assist in maintaining a safe, respectful, and peaceful environment for all students.
- Maintain a positive, professional, and respectful atmosphere with students, staff, and parents.
- Demonstrate ethical behavior and maintain strict confidentiality regarding students and their families.
- Collaborate with the classroom teacher and other team members to create effective schedules and support plans for students.
- Communicate with parents only as directed by the classroom teacher, following established protocols.
- Participate in all required professional development, training, and school functions.
- Utilize time effectively and follow the school’s established communication and conflict resolution procedures.
Content Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- effective instructional support strategies for individual students and small groups.
- basic academic concepts in core subjects, including reading, writing, and math.
- behavioral management techniques and positive reinforcement methods.
- district and school policies regarding confidentiality and professional ethics.
- the importance of maintaining a safe, respectful, and confidential learning environment.
- assisting students with instructional materials, technology, and equipment.
- providing academic support in reading, writing, and math under the direction of a teacher.
- supervising students during various school activities, including arrival, departure, and recess.
- redirecting student behavior and providing positive guidance.
- collecting and documenting academic and behavioral data.
- implement instructional modifications and interventions as directed by a teacher.
- effectively collaborate with teachers, staff, and other team members to support student success.
- communicate professionally and appropriately with students, staff, and parents.
- maintain strict confidentiality regarding student and family information.
- participate in professional development and training to enhance skills.
- Illinois Paraprofessional License, minimally required
- Associate’s Degree, preferred
- Illinois Professional Educator License
- Illinois Substitute Teacher License
Physical Requirements
This position requires the performance of light work—which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects. The position includes close visual acuity, frequent talking, hearing, walking, climbing stairs and standing, occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity. The job is performed in non-hazardous environments and a clean atmosphere. The position requires indoor and outdoor supervision during varying temperatures and climatic conditions.
Apply Through Frontline
Applications are currently being accepted for this position via our district website. Please reach out to our human resources department at district97hr@op97.org, if you have questions about the application process.
We encourage interested applicants to apply, as we continue to uplift our equity policy. Our goal is to recruit, employ, support, and retain racially and linguistically diverse and culturally competent administrative, instructional and support personnel. Oak Park Elementary School District 97 is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The mental demands, physical demands, and work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow an employee with disabilities to perform the essential functions.