Non-Teaching Assistant (Climate Staff) - Southwest Leadership Academy

WHO WE ARE

Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School (SLACS) was founded to address the need for community access to exceptional, leadership based education in the heart of southwest Philadelphia. Currently, Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School supports just under 500 students in grades K-8 in single gender classrooms, leveraging research from the world- renowned Gurian Institute around socio-emotional learning and differentiation between the sexes, fueling growth, leadership and engagement for all students. Classrooms in grades K-1 are supported by two educators from the SLACS team – a lead teacher as well as an Apprentice Teacher, translating to more 1:1 student/teacher instructional time as well as increased opportunities for differentiated instruction for students.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

At SLACS, we believe that every child:

• Is a developing leader waiting to be fostered.
• Is capable of high academic achievement.
• Can positively impact and contribute to the school and community.
• Needs a positive and hopeful definition of reality in order to succeed

We understand the importance of a collaborative learning environment between teachers, parents, and school staff in setting up every child’s educational success.

OUR COMMITMENT

SLACS is committed to building talented and committed cadres of teachers charged with the skills to develop leaders by empowering scholars to change the factors that define their reality. Our staff will work with students to develop the leadership skills necessary to drive complete community rejuvenation in Southwest Philadelphia. In developing these skills, students will cultivate an array of leadership components that they can apply to community change on a global scale.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of a High School Degree (or equivalent) with a preference for an Associate or Bachelor Degree from an accredited college or university.

Required criminal history background check, physical and proof of U.S. citizenship, or legal resident alien status.

PREFERRED

• Interest in working with urban schools, students, and communities

QUALIFICATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

A SLACS Non-Teaching Assistant is tasked with providing assistance to instructional programs by assisting the Lead Teacher in achieving educational objectives by working with individual scholars or small groups, with a special focus on scholar behavioral supports. The non-teaching assistant assists the teacher in providing a well-organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment in which scholars can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resource materials.

The Non-Teaching Assistant is specifically responsible for, but not limited to:

• Under the guidance of the Assistant Principal of Climate and Culture, ensuring a focused and high achieving school climate and culture
• Working as part of the climate and culture team to develop a positive, organized, data-driven, and reflective school climate and culture, based on best practices.
• Collaborating with school staff to create an environment that is safe for students at all times and conducive to achieving the school’s vision and mission.
• Consistently and effectively executing and reinforcing school wide culture systems including student arrival, dismissal, transitions, norms, expectations, code of conduct, and incentive systems.
• Maintaining a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about scholars and classroom teachers in regard to behavior activities
• Recording student behaviors and administer socio-emotional focused procedures according to positive behavior support plans.
• Supporting the implementation of behavior management programs designed by teachers and/or Special Education Coordinator.  This includes using reasonable judgment that is fair, equitable and considers all involved when redirecting and/or reprimanding students
• Assisting in the preparation of materials for class, classroom activities, assignments, and location of supplementary materials.
• Supporting discipline protocols, records, and violations (uniform, busing, etc…) assigned by the Dean of Students.
• Supervising and monitoring the lunchroom before school and during lunch periods on assigned days.
• Assisting scholars in/ with:
  • admissions and dismissal daily;
  • transitions to and from the classroom for specialty ;
  • supervision of scholars during emergency drills;
  • use of equipment and in day-to-day activities;
  • navigating hallways and bathrooms.
• Observing and intervening to redirect inappropriate behavior using appropriate socio-emotional focused practices aimed at redirecting students toward positive learning behaviors
• As needed, will connect with student’s family/guardians/Lead Teacher/ Dean of Students to devise practices toward supporting a student in engaging in more positive school-based behaviors. 
• Assists, monitors, and guides scholars in paying attention, participating in activities, and completing tasks.

An ideal candidate for this role will demonstrate the following and/or have experiences with:

• Commitment to the success of all SLACS students and specifically to raising the academic achievement of children in high-poverty communities and/ or children with special needs.
• Desire to grow professionally and seek out new opportunities to learn; and integrity and clarity in all communications and interactions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, in addition to computer skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills, especially when working with students and families in regard to behavioral supports.
• Flexible, optimistic approach; committed to overcoming challenges; problem-solving skills.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

SALARY, BENEFITS, AND EMPLOYMENT PERIOD

SALARY RANGE

Competitive salary based on education and experience.

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401K Matching Plan

EMPLOYMENT PERIOD

• Ten (10) Months, non-tenureable position

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