Certified Teaching Assistant for Special Education – Supporting Student Success in a Dynamic and Inclusive Environment

Introduction to Erie 1 BOCES and the Role Erie 1 BOCES is a leading educational institution dedicated to providing high-quality special education services to students in the Western New York region. We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Certified Teaching Assistant to join our team at Maryvale Academy in Cheektowaga, NY. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting the educational and personal growth of our students, working closely with certified teachers to provide individualized instruction and support. Job Responsibilities and Expectations The successful candidate will be responsible for providing direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a certified teacher. Key responsibilities will include: Supporting students across the curriculum, including working with individual students, small groups, and whole classes Assisting the teacher with marking and correcting work, as well as recording student grades and progress Helping to supervise activities in the classroom, including managing behavior and ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment Assisting with school events, trips, and other activities, including accompanying students on outings and providing support as needed Assisting in the implementation of activities that include feeding, lifting, toileting, and other daily living activities, as required Maintaining confidentiality of student information and discussing parental requests for information with the teacher before responding Assuming teacher responsibilities in the absence of the classroom teacher or as assigned Essential Qualifications and Skills To be successful in this role, you will need to possess: A strong understanding of child development and interpersonal skills to coordinate instruction with primary teachers and communicate with parents Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment The ability to lift and transport students, as required, and to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a passion for supporting the educational and personal growth of students with diverse needs and abilities A high school diploma or equivalent, with a certification in teaching assistance or a related field (Level 1, 2, or 3 Teaching Assistant certification) Preferred Qualifications and Skills While not essential, the following qualifications and skills are preferred: Experience working in a special education setting, with a strong understanding of the needs and abilities of students with diverse learning requirements A degree in education, special education, or a related field, with a strong foundation in child development and educational theory Experience with behavioral management and de-escalation techniques, with the ability to maintain a calm and respectful demeanor in challenging situations Strong technology skills, with the ability to use educational software and other digital tools to support student learning Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits At Erie 1 BOCES, we are committed to supporting the ongoing growth and development of our staff. As a Certified Teaching Assistant, you will have access to a range of professional development opportunities, including: Regular training and coaching on best practices in special education and teaching assistance Opportunities for career advancement, including the potential to move into teaching or leadership roles A supportive and collaborative work environment, with a strong focus on teamwork and mutual respect Access to a range of employee benefits, including paid annual holidays, generous paid personal/sick time, and premium health and dental plans Work Environment and Company Culture Our work environment is dynamic, inclusive, and supportive, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value our employees and recognize the important contributions they make to our organization. As a Certified Teaching Assistant, you will be part of a close-knit team of educators and support staff who are passionate about supporting the educational and personal growth of our students. Compensation, Perks, and Benefits We offer a competitive hourly salary range of $18.41 - $19.43, depending on experience and certification level. In addition to your salary, you will be eligible for a range of benefits, including: Paid annual holidays and generous paid personal/sick time Premium health and dental plans, with Erie 1 BOCES paying 85% of the premium cost Life insurance at no cost to you A flexible spending account (FSA) plan Access to the New York State Retirement System, as well as 403b and 457 retirement plans Opportunities for professional development and career advancement Conclusion and Call to Action If you are a compassionate and skilled educator who is passionate about supporting the educational and personal growth of students with diverse needs and abilities, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Certified Teaching Assistant at Erie 1 BOCES, you will be part of a dynamic and inclusive team that is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our students. Don't miss out on this chance to join our team and take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career in special education. Apply now and discover the rewards of working in a supportive and collaborative environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Apply online today by completing the following steps: Click on the link below to log in to your account in RecruitFront or create a new account Complete and submit the correct application type (TEACHER/ADMIN) and apply directly to the job posting You will receive an email from RecruitFront stating that you have applied Special Notes: When responding to or inquiring about this Notice of Vacancy, please refer to the Posting Number noted above Requests for reasonable accommodations at the interview under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be submitted in writing to the ADA Coordinator (Director, Human Resources) at least 48 hours prior to the interview Apply for this job