Elementary School Teacher Assistant (2024-25 School Year)

The Organization

For over 50 years, Urban Community School (UCS) has served Cleveland's near west side children by providing an individualized, innovative, and challenging education. Rooted in the Ursuline Sisters' tradition of faith, character, and educational excellence, UCS engages our faculty, families, and community partners in the successful whole child development of students. UCS serves nearly 750 students from 6 weeks old - 8th grade using restorative practices and conscious discipline. Eighty percent of our families earn less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. The growing campus in Ohio City is home to The MetroHealth System, House of Champions, Urban Squash Cleveland, USA Lacrosse, The Refugee Response and Facing History and Ourselves.

UCS is a recipient of the 2022 Top Workplace Award from The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com, which is based solely on employee feedback. UCS has also been recognized as one of Cleveland's City Champions by The Plain Dealer, a National Green Ribbon School for Environmental Practices and Learning Model, and a School of Excellence by the Cleveland Foundation and The George Gund Foundation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with students, parents/caregivers, and educators.
• Provide a safe and engaging learning environment that is aligned to the mission and values of the school.
• Support the teaching team in a variety of ways including:
• Preparing and setting up materials and activities.
• Implementing portions of the lessons as directed by the teacher.
• Assisting in keeping the classroom and storage areas clean, neat, and organized.
• Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times.
• Share anecdotal observations and notes with the teacher to support student learning and development.
• Keep accurate student records including but not limited to students' academic progress, attendance, behavior, and parental contacts.
• Partner with the teaching team to understand key goals and initiatives for the school year.
• Participate in staff meetings and training as needed.
• Assist with non-instructional duties as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Teacher Assistant Coordinator and Division Director.

Competencies

• Accountability and Dependability: Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieves results with little detailed oversight. Resourceful with ability to work independently. Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Adapts to changing school and student needs, conditions, and responsibilities. Is open to different and new ways of doing things. Able to work well under time demands and to perform multiple tasks.
• Collaboration: Works well in teams and with others in ways that promote goals and collective objectives. Service-oriented with ability to effectively interact with students, staff and administrators. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Cultural Competence: Aware of and respects individual differences, including across race, gender, sexuality, and class; is inclusive, respectful, and considerate of others; has the ability to work effectively across lines of difference; and contributes to a positive and healthy school culture.
• Initiative: Recognizes situations that warrant initiative and moves forward without hesitation; reasonably resolves issues, problems, or situations. Willing to participate in skills enhancement and professional development.
• Student Focus: Builds and maintains student service and success; provides excellent service to students. Ability to work with confidential information and maintain student confidentiality.

Education, Experience, and Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• A valid Educational Aide permit issued by the Ohio Department of Education required or obtained within 3 months of hire date.
• Previous experience working with elementary school students strongly preferred.
• FBI/BCI background check required.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of standing, moving throughout a classroom, and climbing stairs in a two story building.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly wage commensurate with experience ($13.66 - $16.81 per hour).
• 401(k) with a generous employer contribution and match
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid life insurance and AD&D
• Short and long term disability coverage
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Tuition discount for students who attend UCS
• Educational assistance program (up to $2,000 per year)
• Casual work attire (denim and UCS spirit wear are welcomed)
• On-site fitness center for faculty and staff
• Financial and retirement advising at no cost to employees
• Opportunities for discounts on home, rental and auto-insurance

Additional Information

• Status: Full-Time; Non-Exempt
• Reports to (direct): Teacher Assistant Coordinator
• Reports to (indirect): Division Director & Chief Academic Officer
• Hours: 40 hours per week/school schedule