Northern Rivers Family of Services·City of Schenectady, New York
The Teacher Assistant will support the classroom teacher in behavior management, instructional reinforcement, and maintaining a safe learning environment for students. Responsibilities include implementing behavior plans, monitoring student progress, and assisting with daily classroom activities and clerical tasks.
Follow all Agency policies and procedures, along with state and federal regulations pertaining to our school and students. Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities; create and modify materials to match student abilities. Work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials to match student abilities. Monitor student behavior and help maintain discipline in the classroom; record behavior data as requested; assist with crisis prevention; assist with de-escalation techniques with students. Assist in the implementation of behavior plans (BIP); recording behavior data; and the completion of incident reports when requested. Monitor, supervise and assist students during non-instructional periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. lunch, recess/breaks, bus loading/unloading, playground, classroom, washroom, field trips, transportation, assemblies, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment. Assist in the implementation of Pyramid Model principles and practices in the classroom to build social and emotional competence and to support children through nurturing and responsive relationships and a high-quality environment. Attend meetings, training, professional learning sessions (e.g. first aid, Pyramid, CPR, emergency procedures, behavior management) for the purpose of enhancing professional skills, competencies and to meet regulatory requirements (OCFS regulations require 30 hours in 5 areas over 2 years). Perform various clerical duties; maintain records of student progress; develop and file incident reports; maintain student files; check daily attendance; make copies; develop classroom displays and instructional material; maintain and operate computers, smartboards and other classroom equipment. Collaborate with teacher and other staff to incorporate information provided by parents, doctors, nurses, therapists and others in order to understand the needs of and provide services for students. Assist the teacher(s) with the administration of appropriate assessment tools, tests, and other curriculum measurements. Always monitor safety and well-being of students; monitor student attitudes and encourage positive behavior and interactions with peers. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as requested by the teacher and Director. Physical Requirements: This role requires the ability to actively supervise and interact with preschool-aged children in the classroom, on the playground, and in therapeutic settings. Daily duties involve frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting, carrying and floor-based activities. The employee must be able to respond quickly to children's safety, behavioral, educational, mobility, and self-care needs; assist with classroom instruction and transitions; and lift and carry children, equipment, and materials up to 35 pounds, with out without reasonable accommodation. Requirements and Education: Associates degree preferred Ability to work with students who demonstrate serious emotional and behavioral challenges, ages 3-5 NYS Education Teacher Assistant Certification Benefits Health care package: medical, dental, and vision Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Holiday Pay 401 (K) plan Life Insurance Loan repayment assistance Free training/CEU opportunities About Northern Rivers At Northern Rivers Family of Services, we work together to make a difference in our client's lives. Northern Rivers empowers children, adults, and families to change their lives and build stronger communities. Northern Rivers Family of Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire great people from a variety of backgrounds, not because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger! All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. We cherish the unique contributions of our diverse staff and are building a culture where everyone has the opportunity to do the meaningful work. Qualifications
Candidates should have an Associate's degree and the ability to work with students aged 3-5 who have emotional and behavioral challenges. A New York State Education Teacher Assistant Certification is required for this role.
Market context
In New York, classroom teacher roles are typically shaped by steady school staffing needs and competition for educators who can demonstrate strong instruction and classroom leadership. This role is competitive because it calls for advanced chess knowledge, proven teaching experience, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities while supporting student success. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your application to show concrete teaching results and leadership examples.
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