Teacher Assistant (TA)

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

About The SEED School of Washington, D.C.

The SEED Foundation (www.seedfoundation.com) was created in 1997 to establish college-preparatory urban boarding schools that prepare secondary students both academically and socially, for success in college and beyond. In 1998, the Foundation opened The SEED Public Charter School of Washington, D.C. – the nation’s first public college preparatory boarding school. The school currently serves 250 students in grades 9-12. In 2015, 100% of SEED’s seniors were accepted to a four-year college or university.

All SEED students live on campus from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon when they return home for the weekend. The dormitories are organized into small “houses” of an average of 15-18 students per resident advisor for afternoon and evening routines such as academic study hall, house meetings, SPARKS and other structured activities. We provide a safe and caring 24-hour boarding experience. Our relationship with parents/guardians is essential to the success of their scholar while at SEED.

About The SEED Network

SEED is the pioneering national network of public, college-preparatory boarding schools, offering a unique 24-hour, 5-day per week learning environment. Our tuition-free schools, the first of their kind in the U.S., are intentionally designed to serve traditionally underserved students. Supported by The SEED Foundation, we operate in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Miami, and Los Angeles. The Foundation's College Transition & Success (CTS) team provides comprehensive support to SEED graduates from junior year through college graduation. SEED's success has gained recognition from media outlets like 60 Minutes and The New York Times, and former President Obama has lauded it as "a true success story." Learn more at www.seedfoundation.com.

Position Overview

The Teacher Assistant provides essential support to the lead teacher(s) in creating a dynamic, organized, and inclusive learning environment. This role focuses on assisting with instructional activities, classroom management, and student support, contributing directly to student engagement and academic success. The Teacher Assistant is crucial in ensuring the smooth daily operation of the classroom and helping students progress through relevant content.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Support

• Assist the lead teacher with the implementation of daily lesson plans and activities.
• Provide individualized or small-group instruction to students, reinforcing concepts and skills as directed by the teacher.
• Prepare, organize, and distribute instructional materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Support students in completing assignments, projects, and other classroom tasks.
• Operate classroom technology and instructional tools under teacher guidance.

Classroom Management and Student Support

• Support the lead teacher in maintaining a positive, safe, and orderly classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
• Assist in monitoring student behavior and enforcing classroom and school rules and procedures.
• Provide supervision of students during classroom activities, transitions, and other school-related events (e.g., lunch, recess, hallway monitoring).
• Assist with recording student attendance and other routine administrative tasks.
• Offer additional support to students with special needs or diverse learning requirements, under the guidance of the lead teacher and relevant support staff.
• Contribute to the integration of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks and strategies to foster a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.

Collaboration and Professional Development

• Collaborate effectively with the lead teacher(s) to discuss student progress, classroom needs, and upcoming activities.
• Participate in relevant staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and training sessions as required by school leadership.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all student information and school matters.

Administrative Support

• Assist with record-keeping, such as tracking student progress, submitting completed assignments, or organizing student portfolios.
• Help with grading or scoring objective assignments as instructed by the teacher.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the classroom space and instructional materials.
• Support the logistical aspects of school-wide assessments or other student evaluations as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the lead teacher(s) or school leadership.

Requirements:

Qualifications and Essential Competencies

• High School Diploma required; Associate’s Degree or some college coursework preferred.
• Prior experience working with high school-aged students in Urban Education.
• Ability to learn and adapt to various subject matters, classroom procedures, and student needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, teachers, and other staff members.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to support student learning and well-being.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A love for working with young people.
• A commitment to a diverse and inclusive community.
• Commitment to The SEED Foundation’s mission and beliefs.