Teaching Assistant – Alternative Education Program (AEP)

Location:       Southwestern High School

Overview:      The Teaching Assistant (TA) for the Alternative Education Program (AEP) serves as a primary daily support and visible, trusted presence for students and families. This individual is a relationship builder, advocate, and stabilizing force for students who require intensive academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support. The TA works closely with AEP teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff to foster engagement centered around student needs and help students succeed in a judgment-free, trauma-informed environment. Help students develop grit, perseverance, foundational academic skills, and positive school engagement in a judgment-free, trauma-informed environment.

This role requires flexibility, empathy, strong communication skills, and a deep belief that every student can grow when treated with dignity, respect, and consistency.

Qualifications:         

Required:

• High school diploma (or equivalent) New York State Teaching Assistant Certification
• Ability to build rapport with adolescents, including at-risk youth
• Strong communication, patience, and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to support students with significant academic and social-emotional needs

Preferred:

• Experience working with alternative education, special education, or high-need student populations
• Background or training in SEL, behavior support, trauma-informed practices, or youth services
• Experience collaborating with various staff, including teachers, counselors, administrators, and community agencies

Responsibilities & Expectations:

• Work is primarily in a classroom-based AEP setting
• Requires emotional resilience, flexibility, and consistency
• Ability to remain calm and supportive during challenging student situations, utilizing effective de-escalation strategies
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student dignity

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Support & Supervision

• Serve as a consistent, daily adult presence and point of connection for AEP students
• Provide 1:1 and small group academic support, reinforcing foundational skills in reading, writing, math, and work habits
• Support students with organization, task initiation, persistence, and follow-through
• Assist students in developing grit, perseverance, self-regulation, and coping skills
• Monitor student behavior and engagement, reinforcing expectations aligned with AEP and district policy
• Maintain a safe space where students feel respected and supported.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Behavioral Support

• Assist the AEP Counselor with SEL lessons, activities, and informal check-ins
• Support students during moments of dysregulation using trauma-informed and restorative practices
• Build trusting relationships with students who are at risk, emotionally vulnerable, or experiencing challenges inside and outside of school
• Help students practice appropriate social skills, communication, and problem-solving strategies

Family & Community Communication

• Serve as a welcoming and approachable point of contact for students and families
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with caregivers via phone, email, or scheduled meetings on a frequent basis
• Support positive family-school partnerships grounded in trust, empathy, and collaboration

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Collaborate respectfully with AEP teaching staff, counselors, administrators, and support personnel
• Work closely with the counseling department and School Resource Officer (SRO) when appropriate
• Support implementation of Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) and behavior supports
• Participate in team meetings, problem-solving conversations, and student support planning
• Creative problem-solving to address the individualized needs of all students in the program

Program & School Alignment

• Uphold and model Southwestern’s mission, vision, and core values in all interactions
• Reinforce AEP program expectations related to attendance, behavior, and engagement
• Support reintegration goals and transitions as students progress
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times
• Promote academic growth through credit recovery, skill-building, and individualized learning support

Mission, Vision & Values Alignment

The AEP Teacher Assistant is expected to actively support and model Southwestern’s shared commitments:

• Learning for All: Engaging and Preparing for Future Success
• Fostering a physically, socially, and emotionally safe learning environment
• Demonstrating integrity, kindness, connection, and excellence
• Building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Promoting Trojan kindness, pride, and accountability

Salary : $43,327 - $76,060