Middle School Special Education Teaching Assistant

REQUISITION ID: 340

ROLE OVERVIEW

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS) is seeking a dynamic, mission-aligned Middle School 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 pre-teaching 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 (ParaPro) 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 education setting

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School offers a competitive and equitable compensation package that increases based on years of relevant experience, with a minimum base salary of $42,075.50, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

• Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans w/ comprehensive network coverage.
• Student loan and tuition reimbursement.
• Reimbursements for external professional development aligned to your role.
• Wellness reimbursements including gym memberships, spa services, and more.
• Online counseling services - for staff and their dependents - via top-rated therapy app.
• Pre-tax state pension plan benefit w/ addl. options available via voluntary retirement plans.
• Pre-tax dependent care, health, and transit flexible spending plans available.

ABOUT GREAT OAKS LEGACY CHARTER SCHOOL

The Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is a high-performing, innovative charter public school in Newark NJ, serving students from Pre-K to 12th grade on campuses across the city of Newark. Our mission is to prepare Newark’s students for success in college and beyond.

Our model is based on the following guiding principles that guide our work daily –

1. Creating a community that is built upon genuine and meaningful relationships. GOLCS staff rate our commitment to students as the #1 reason they teach/work at our schools.
2. Being surgical in our approach to differentiation of instruction and support for all students and team members. Our students receive daily tutoring embedded into their school schedule - facilitated by our AmeriCorps team members. Staff members receive individualized coaching and support in their roles.
3. Setting and exceeding high expectations for academic growth and character development for all students, in preparation for success in college and beyond. Currently, the historical college matriculation rate for GOLCS is 79% - nearly twice the national average for economically underrepresented students.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY

GOLCS is committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. Furthermore, we believe that racial justice and equity is critical to our mission of preparing students for success in college and beyond. We strive to be an organization that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and elevates our student voices in preparing them for life and college.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Great Oaks Legacy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.