K​/Instructional Teacher Assistant

Job Summary

Reports To:

Building Administration & Core Instruction Administration
Primary Reporting

Location:

—
Assigned 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

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance available
• Paid sick & personal days
• Pre‑tax retirement plans (e.g., 403b)

• 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 Teacher Assistant workforce, the candidate will interact with and respond to students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members in ways that demonstrate alignment with the district’s equity commitments.

Equity is at the center of the Teacher Assistant services to positively impact student learning and employee practices, as expressed in Board Policy 7:12.

• 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.
• Particip…