Special Education Teaching Assistant; SY

Position: Special Education Teaching Assistant (SY 26-27)
ROLE OVERVIEW

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS) is seeking a dynamic, mission-aligned Special Education Teaching Assistant to support students with disabilities in accessing rigorous, inclusive instruction and achieving meaningful academic and behavioral growth.

Teaching Assistants are essential members of the instructional and student support team. They provide targeted academic intervention, behavioral support, and progress monitoring through push-in, small-group, and individualized support aligned to students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and behavior plans.

This role advances GOLCS's mission of preparing all students for success in college, career, and community by ensuring students with exceptional needs receive consistent, data-driven support in the least restrictive environment.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Teaching Assistants:

* Report to the Associate Director of Student Support Services or School Director

* Receive coaching and collaboration from Special Educators, BCBAs, Social Workers, and ADSS leaders

* Participate in ongoing professional development, observation, and feedback cycles

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic Instructional Support

* Provide push-in and small-group academic support in general and special education settings.

* Deliver preteaching and reteaching of content to reinforce core instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and other content areas.

* Support implementation of IEP accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction as directed by certified staff.

* Reinforce previously taught skills through guided practice, review, and tutoring activities.

* Assist students in developing organization, study skills, and independent learning behaviors.

Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support

* Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and classroom behavior systems with fidelity.

* Provide positive reinforcement, de-escalation support, and social-emotional coaching.

* Support students with Emotional Regulation Impairments and other behavioral needs in maintaining engagement and safety.

* Assist in facilitating social skills practice and appropriate peer interactions.

Data Tracking and Progress Monitoring

* Collect and record academic and behavioral data aligned to IEP goals and behavior plans.

* Maintain daily tracking sheets, intervention logs, and progress-monitoring documentation.

* Share data with teachers and support staff to inform instructional and behavioral decision-making.

* Assist with preparation of materials and documentation for IEP meetings and progress reports as requested.

Classroom and School Support

* Support classroom management, routines, and transitions to maximize instructional time.

* Provide one-to-one or small-group assistance based on student need and IEP requirements.

* Assist in supervising students in hallways, lunch, specials, and other school settings when assigned.

* Collaborate with teachers and support staff to maintain a safe, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.

Professional Collaboration and Growth

* Participate in professional development, coaching, and team meetings.

* Implement feedback from teachers, ADSS, BCBAs, and related service providers.

* Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all student interactions and records.

* Demonstrate commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

* Associate's Degree from an accredited institution or

* Passing score on the Paraprofessional (Para Pro) Exam

* Actively working toward a Bachelor's Degree in Education or a related field

* Strong belief that all students can achieve at high levels

* Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills

* Commitment to student success, equity, and inclusion

Preferred

* Bachelor's Degree in Education or a related field

* Training or coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential

* NJ Substitute Certification

* Experience working with students with Emotional Regulation Impairments , Autism, or behavioral needs

* Experience tracking academic or behavioral data to support intervention plans

* Prior experience in a school or urban…