Mackenzie Foundation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Founded in 2001, LEARN is a network of high-performing college preparatory, tuition-free public elementary and middle schools with the mission of providing children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. There are 11 LEARN Schools serving 4,100 students in grades PK-8 across Chicago, Waukegan, North Chicago, and Washington, D.C. 

It is our goal to create an environment, on every campus, in which our staff members feel supported, respected, and appreciated. Our staff work together at each school and across the network to share ideas, problem solve, and innovate to move our schools and students beyond the expected. LEARN has been honored by having one of our school leaders recognized as the 2022 Principal of the Year by the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, in addition to LEARN 9 Waukegan earning a Exemplary school designation by the Illinois State Board of Education. LEARN also received a $7 million dollar gift from Mackenzie Bezos in honor of our positive impact on education in Chicago.

LEARN's mission remains crystal clear: to provide children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. LEARN is currently looking for hard-working and passionate professionals that are dedicated to transforming public education.

About the Opportunity

The Instructional Assistant will be responsible for daily operation for his or her classroom in collaboration with the Classroom Teacher. The Instructional Assistant is required to provide high quality instruction in small groups to students, every day to ensure successful academic outcomes. The classroom environment is supportive and community-based. The Instructional Assistant is also required to cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with student’s families, staff, and other members of the community.

What You’ll Do:
As an Instructional Assistant, your critical tasks will include but not limited to:
Essential Job Functions

• Working with the Classroom Teacher to plan classroom instruction
• Monitoring students’ behavior and academic achievement. Assist in establishing expectations for behavior in accordance to school-wide/ classroom culture/discipline plan
• Effectively monitoring children outside of classroom (e.g. recess, lunchroom, etc.) and while teacher is occupied
• Intervening appropriately to prevent student disruption of the classroom’s educators process; interacting with students in a supportive way reflecting reciprocal respect
• Effectively planning and executing whole/small group instruction utilizing appropriate student assessments to effectively inform differentiated instructions
• In the absence of the Classroom Teacher, assume the classroom responsibilities

This job is a great fit if you:

• Have a Bachelor’s Degree or 60+ college credits
• Have a demonstrated record of living LEARN's Core Values 

Preferred

• Are a current participant in an Instructor Certification Program
• You are bilingual 
• Possess 1+ year of classroom experience
• Have a demonstrated track record of delivering gains in student academic achievement

Benefits Summary

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full time employees, including:
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Wellness Benefits: Online Mental Health Support, free on site COVID  testing
• Paid vacation, personal days, paid holidays, including 5 days off every 23 days in a school year
• Short and long term disability
• Paid life insurance
• 403B Contribution + 4.5% matching as eligible

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a valid medical or religious exemption required.

Teachers will be working in a busy and active environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the Teacher will have to supervise all children at all times. Majority of work will be performed in a general classroom/school environment. May be asked to participate and attend organization sponsored events and meetings, such as field trips and network professional development, potentially after school hours.

Teachers may be lifting and carrying children and equipment, and may spend time sitting on the floor or child sized furniture. Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment. Requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up, and maintain work files. Teachers will also be expected to maintain classroom equipment and furniture in clean condition. Will frequently physically move moderate distances indoors and outdoors throughout the community or building with children including climbing stairs. Physical demands require to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, walk around the classroom, and kneel upwards of 60% of the day. In addition, walking up and down stairs several times a day. Must be able to lift, push and pull up to 25 pounds for short periods of time. 

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of LEARN Charter School Network. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.