Introduction to Decatur Public Schools
Decatur Public Schools is a leading educational institution dedicated to providing a comprehensive and supportive learning environment for students of all backgrounds and abilities. Our mission is to foster academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility in our students, empowering them to succeed in an ever-changing world. We are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, respect, and empathy, where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Care Room Teaching Assistant to join our team of dedicated educators. As a Care Room Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting the emotional and behavioral development of our students, helping them to regulate their emotions, manage conflicts, and develop essential life skills. This is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our students and contribute to the creation of a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Continually supervise students to ensure a safe, non-threatening, and nurturing environment where students can thrive
- Foster relationships with parents, family members, volunteers, and other caring adult mentors and program supporters in the community
- Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all students, regardless of their background, ability, or circumstances
- Assist students in dealing with conflict, expressing themselves in appropriate ways, and improving their behavior with an emphasis on successful reintegration
- May escort students to and from locations, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times
- Attend meetings or trainings as required, with an emphasis on social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and restorative justice
- Professionally interact with students, staff, and the public, maintaining a positive and respectful demeanor at all times
- Establish constructive relationships with students and interact with them according to individual need, providing support, guidance, and encouragement as required
- Provide feedback to teachers and/or administrators on students' achievement, progress, problems, and other concerns, as directed
- Promote good student behavior, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy and encouraging students to take responsibility for their own behavior
- Coach students through the process of de-escalation, teaching them essential skills to manage their emotions and behaviors
- Support trauma-informed mindfulness and restorative justice practices, helping students to develop a greater understanding of themselves and their place within the community
- Assist students in actively working on strategies to self-regulate emotions, develop emotional intelligence, and improve their overall well-being
- Develop and implement brain breaks for students, providing opportunities for relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation
- Teach students how to identify their emotional triggers and use tools to calm themselves, promoting emotional awareness and self-regulation
- Document student behavior data and interventions, including restitutions made by students, on/off task behavior, work completion, and other relevant information
Essential Qualifications
- Able to demonstrate effective behavior management techniques and interventions
- Ability to function effectively as a member of the school team, collaborating with colleagues to achieve common goals
- Positive interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well with staff, parents, community members, and students
- Preferred experience with trauma-informed and restorative justice practices, with a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students, parents, and colleagues
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing tasks and managing multiple responsibilities with ease
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and meet deadlines
- Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment, with a focus on student well-being and success
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in an educational setting, with a focus on supporting student emotional and behavioral development
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, restorative justice, and social-emotional learning, with a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
- Ability to speak multiple languages, with a focus on communicating effectively with students and families from diverse backgrounds
- Experience working with students with diverse needs, including those with disabilities, English language learners, and students from low-income backgrounds
- Strong technology skills, with the ability to utilize digital tools and platforms to support student learning and communication
Skills and Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students, parents, and colleagues
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing tasks and managing multiple responsibilities with ease
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and meet deadlines
- Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment, with a focus on student well-being and success
- Ability to think critically and creatively, developing innovative solutions to complex problems
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze situations, identify solutions, and implement effective strategies
- Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, with a focus on staying current with best practices in education and student support
Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits
At Decatur Public Schools, we are committed to supporting the ongoing learning and professional development of our staff. As a Care Room Teaching Assistant, you will have access to a range of training and development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and mentoring programs. You will also have the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues, sharing best practices and developing innovative solutions to complex problems.
Work Environment and Company Culture
Decatur Public Schools is a dynamic and supportive work environment, with a focus on collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Our staff are passionate about education and committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our students. We offer a range of benefits, including competitive salaries, comprehensive health insurance, and a generous retirement package. We also offer a range of perks, including professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Compensation, Perks, and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, with a focus on supporting the well-being and success of our staff. Our benefits include:
- Competitive salary, with opportunities for advancement and professional growth
- Comprehensive health insurance, with a range of options to suit your needs
- Generous retirement package, with a focus on supporting your long-term financial security
- Professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and mentoring programs
- Flexible working arrangements, with a focus on supporting work-life balance and employee well-being
- Supportive and inclusive work environment, with a focus on collaboration, creativity, and innovation
Conclusion
If you are a motivated and compassionate individual, with a passion for supporting student emotional and behavioral development, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Care Room Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment, and will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our students. Don't miss out on this chance to join our dynamic team and contribute to the success of Decatur Public Schools. Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career in education.
Ready to apply? We are excited to review your application and look forward to welcoming you to our team. Please submit your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any supporting documentation, to be considered for this exciting opportunity.
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