Teacher Assistant - Elementary

Teacher Assistant - Elementary

South Kingstown Public Schools Matunuck Elementary School – Wakefield, Rhode Island

South Kingstown Schools is an excellent place for educators seeking a supportive, innovative environment where high expectations for all students are upheld. The district seeks a highly qualified Teaching Assistant (TA) to support instructional staff and contribute to a culture of equity and learning excellence.

The TA assists the instructional staff in implementing plans and programs related to the classroom or a specialized area. Duties include supervising students, working directly with students individually or in small groups to reinforce academic content, and collaborating with staff to create an educational environment that meets all students’ needs.

• Support and supervise students during arrival, dismissal, lunch, and recess as assigned by the building principal.
• Organize materials for each group/student; set up learning stations and activity centers; supervise students while working; assist students having difficulty.
• Support students in gaining academic and functional skills under the supervision of the classroom/program teacher(s).
• Work directly with students individually or in small groups to reinforce subjects initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist in collecting data to monitor student growth and skill development.
• Assist in de‑escalation of students during a crisis situation.
• Assist students with physical tasks and daily living skills such as eating, drinking, dressing, moving, using the bathroom, washing hands, and changing diapers; support students with personal care needs.
• Provide job coaching for students age 14+ who participate in community‑based placements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building administrator.
• Participate in district‑offered professional development opportunities.
• Follow and implement Behavior Intervention Plans and Health Care Plans when applicable.
• Reinforce rules of the school and learning environment; acknowledge and encourage appropriate behavior and distinguish inappropriate behavior for the student’s understanding.
• Assist teachers in supervising learning activities, circulating within the classroom, and providing student assistance and learning support.
• Complete Medicaid logs as directed for individual students (as needed).
• Maintain Safety Cares certification.
• Perform duties as assigned by the principal or designee.

• High School Diploma or GED;
  Associate’s Degree or higher preferred.

• Successfully pass the Para Pro Assessment, OR
• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education, OR
• Completion of a Teacher Assistant Pre‑Employment Training Program approved by the RI Department of Education (RIDE), or obtain an Associate’s Degree or higher.

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work with children in a sensitive and effective manner.
• Analyze, communicate, and use interpersonal skills.
• Readily learn assigned duties and adhere to classroom/student procedures.
• Maintain accurate and complete records required by law, district policy, and procedures.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ensure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures.
• Operate office/school equipment.
• Work collegially with other professionals.
• Consistently follow established procedures and protocols.
• Implement Safety Cares techniques after appropriate training.
• Implement behavior management techniques after appropriate training.
• Implement job coaching after appropriate training.
• Take initiative and be proactive.
• Understand specific disabilities of the students with whom the employee will be working.
• Exhibit interpersonal skills with students and adults to create and maintain a positive learning environment.
• Perform duties as assigned.

• Willingness to learn and implement instructional methods, strategies, and techniques to assist teachers.
• Patience, courtesy, tact, and good judgment in working with students, teachers, administrators, fellow employees, and parents.
• Effective with diverse populations.
• Employ a…