Chicago Public Schools·Chicago, Illinois
The assistant supports special education teachers by providing one-on-one tutoring, reinforcing learning concepts, and assisting students with physical disabilities in daily living tasks. They also maintain behavioral records, assist with classroom equipment, and accompany students on field trips or to medical appointments.
Certification Requirements. Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which may be applied for and obtained after the successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro). Also refer to: ⦁ Illinois State Board of Education ⦁ Educator License Application ⦁ Work Keys ⦁ Paraprofessional Assessment Knowledge, Abilities, and Skill. Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities, good knowledge of English grammar and spelling, good knowledge of basic mathematics. Ability to work with and for students with various disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one (21) years of age; ability to follow written and oral instructions and direction; ability to complete and maintain basic written reports. (Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable. Individuals who do not provide evidence of the completion of training in CPR at the time of initial employment in this class title will complete CPR training as a condition of employment.) Good oral and written communication skills, skill in the operation of photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable. Physical Requirements. Medium Work: Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently, and/or to ten (10) pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands include the ability to reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; occasional use of near visual acuity and frequent use of far visual acuity
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs: Medical Plan Options Pharmacy Dental Vision Behavioral Health & EAP Employee Wellness Program Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options: Basic Life Insurance Life and Disability Insurance Pension Plans Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Spot Pet Insurance Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies: Paid Leave Sick Leave Vacation Days Parental Leaves Short-Term Disability Religious Holidays Leaves Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
Candidates must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education, which requires 60 semester hours of college credit or a passing score on a paraprofessional exam. Applicants should have knowledge of disability characteristics and the ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting students.
Market context
In Illinois, teaching assistant roles are commonly driven by school staffing needs in special education and general classroom support, especially where paraprofessional licensing is required. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for a valid TASN paraprofessional license, at least 60 semester hours or a paraprofessional exam, plus strong communication and knowledge of disabilities. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits from the original posting to save research time, then confirm your license status and readiness to follow classroom directions before applying.