Elementary School Teaching Assistant - Supporting Students with Special Needs in a Dynamic Learning Environment

Join Our Team: Empowering Young Minds in Lake County Schools

Lake County Schools is committed to providing a world-class education to students in a supportive and inclusive environment. As a leading educational institution, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and social responsibility. We are now seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Elementary School Teaching Assistant to join our team and play a vital role in shaping the minds of our future generation.

About the Role

As an Elementary School Teaching Assistant, you will be working closely with certified teachers to support students with special needs throughout the school day. Your primary responsibility will be to reinforce lessons, assist individual children, and help teachers with instructional and non-instructional duties. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our students and contribute to the success of our school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Works with student(s) to reinforce lessons initially introduced by the teacher(s)
• Assists individual children in need of special attention, guiding independent study and modified work prepared by the teacher(s)
• Assists with instructional practices and procedures at the teachers' discretion
• Supports teachers with non-instructional classroom duties, including clean-up routines, supervision of playground, study hall, bus loading, assemblies, and field trips
• Assists students in special area classes where appropriate and alerts teachers to any problems or special information about students
• Participates in projects assigned by teacher(s) and/or building administration, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing needs

Essential Qualifications

To be considered for this role, you must possess:

• A High School diploma or equivalent
• NCLB and State paraprofessional certification
• Specialized training (e.g., restraint training) as needed
• Valid First Aid/CPR cards (preferred)

Skills and Competencies

To excel in this position, you should possess:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively with students, teachers, and other staff members
• Patience, empathy, and understanding when working with students with special needs
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced educational environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion

Physical Requirements

This role requires:

• Ability to move freely within the building and perform duties involving frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and lifting
• Frequent repetitive activities, including hands and arms, for clerical-related work
• Occasional exposure to noise and activity of a school setting
• Ability to travel outside the district for meetings and conferences

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time position, employed for a 7.5-hour workday as determined by the posted work calendar. The salary will be determined annually, and benefits are as specified in the Board of Education Policy and Procedure Manual.

Career Growth Opportunities

At Lake County Schools, we are committed to supporting the professional growth and development of our staff. As a Teaching Assistant, you will have opportunities to:

• Develop your skills and knowledge through training and professional development programs
• Take on additional responsibilities and contribute to the success of our school community
• Pursue career advancement opportunities within our organization

Work Environment and Company Culture

Our school district values a culture of collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity. As a Teaching Assistant, you will be part of a dynamic team that is dedicated to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment for our students. We offer a positive and respectful work environment that encourages professional growth and well-being.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• A salary determined annually
• Benefits as specified in the Board of Education Policy and Procedure Manual
• Extra pay for Special Services Teaching Assistants who perform toileting duties, such as changing diapers, helping students undress and dress when bathrooming, and assisting with personal hygiene ($0.75 per hour)

Why Join Our Team?

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and are committed to supporting students with special needs, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role. As a Teaching Assistant at Lake County Schools, you will be part of a dedicated team that is shaping the minds of our future generation.

Even if you feel you're not a perfect match, we'd still love to hear from you. We are looking for great people to join our friendly team and contribute to the success of our school community.

How to Apply

If you are ready to make a positive impact on the lives of our students, please submit your application today. We look forward to hearing from you!