Substitute Teaching Assistant

Utica City School District Mission and Vision

The Utica City School District's mission is to ensure that all students succeed and are well-rounded, with knowledge, skills, and character to be productive members of society. The district's vision is that students can reach their goals and find academic success through a variety of pathways and with different levels of support.

The Utica City School District serves a community of approximately 64,500 city residents in an urban and multi-cultural environment with a current enrollment of roughly 9,644 students in its 13 schools __ Proctor High School, Donovan Middle School, JFK Middle School and 10 elementary schools. The District's greatest asset is its diversity, with more than 50 languages spoken and 16% of students being English language learners.

The District's elementary schools integrate a vibrant curriculum across all grade levels and subject areas, aligning with the New York State Learning Standards. The District is also investing in the realignment of math goals, instruction and curriculum to focus on research-based best practices in mathematics that are proven to increase student performance outcomes. In all subject areas, there is an understanding that developing foundational skills will support students in bridging gaps in learning.

Students are provided with a well-rounded curriculum focused on fostering academic and social/emotional competencies that will carry them through their academic career.

The focus at the District's middle schools is to ensure that students are provided with equitable opportunities to successfully transition from elementary to high school. Both middle schools offer opportunities for students to succeed at every learning level, with dedicated classes for English Language Learners and students with disabilities, as well as honors/advanced studies. The Family and Career Sciences and Technology programs have incorporated science, technology, engineering and math topics into each curriculum to help prepare students for the Career and Technical Education opportunities available at the high school.

Proctor High School provides numerous avenues for students to achieve the District's vision. This is accomplished through supportive and adaptive special education and English language learner programming, a robust honors and Advanced Placement curriculum, and partnerships with post-secondary institutions including Mohawk Valley Community College and Syracuse University's Project Advance. The District most recently embarked upon a groundbreaking initiative working with community and business partners to create innovative Career and Technical Education programming for its high school students.

Proctor's Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC), music, art and drama programs, along with numerous extracurricular activities and athletics, offer additional avenues to showcase students' talents and interests and support them throughout their school experience.

The Substitute Teaching Assistant will assist the classroom teacher with the implementation and delivery of education programs designed to meet the individual needs of the student.

The teacher assistant must be a high school graduate. He/She must be able to communicate effectively with staff, students and parents. He/She must be able to speak, read and write clearly and distinctly as well as have a knowledge of correct English, spelling, punctuation and grammar. He/She must have an understanding of behavior modification techniques, child development and a knowledge of the learning principles associated with special education.

He/She must have the ability to understand, follow and implement oral/written directions as well as the ability to work independently. The teacher assistant must be able to perform clerical duties, follow lesson plans, be creative, imaginative and cooperative in interactions with professional staff and students.

Follow lesson plans as directed by the teacher (e.g. supervise small group activities, provide individual…