Dedicated and Compassionate Inclusion Teaching Assistant Wanted for Immediate Hire in Illinois to Support Special Education Students and Foster an Inclusive Learning Environment

Introduction to Woodridge Elementary School District 68

Woodridge Elementary School District 68 is a dynamic and inclusive educational community dedicated to providing a supportive and stimulating learning environment for all students. Our district is committed to fostering academic excellence, social growth, and emotional well-being, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential. We are now seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Inclusion Teaching Assistant to join our team of dedicated educators in Illinois.

Job Summary

As an Inclusion Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting special education students and providing assistance within a general education classroom. Your primary goal will be to help students with diverse needs become active participants in the learning process, promoting academic achievement, social inclusion, and emotional growth. You will work closely with teachers to develop and implement individualized support plans, assist with instructional activities, and provide one-on-one support to students as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers to develop and implement support plans tailored to individual students' needs, interests, and challenges
• Assist with the development, production, and organization of instructional materials, ensuring they are engaging, accessible, and aligned with curriculum goals
• Work with individuals and small groups at the teacher's request, providing targeted support and guidance to promote learning and understanding
• Check student assignments, monitor testing and makeup work, and organize class work and homework to ensure students stay on track and meet deadlines
• Administer and score student curriculum-based measurement (CBM) assessments for Response to Intervention (RtI) purposes, helping to identify areas of strength and weakness
• Assist with various tasks such as door duty, hall duty, recess duty, and other responsibilities as assigned, maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment
• Participate in in-service training programs as assigned, staying up-to-date with best practices, research, and methodologies in special education and inclusion
• Assist the teacher in maintaining classroom discipline, alerting them to any problems or concerns, and utilizing confidential and personal information concerning students and staff for professional purposes only
• Provide assistance with self-care needs of students as necessary, promoting independence, self-esteem, and overall well-being
• Support students' mobility around the school environment, ensuring they can fully participate in all aspects of school life
• Provide any assistance needed for successful participation in specials (e.g., art, PE, music), fostering a love of learning and exploration
• Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as may be assigned, demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to the school community

Essential Qualifications

To be considered for this role, you must possess a Paraprofessional Educator License with Stipulations, demonstrating your expertise and commitment to supporting students with diverse needs. You should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work effectively in a team environment, and a passion for promoting inclusion, diversity, and social justice.

Preferred Qualifications

While not essential, the following qualifications are highly desirable:

• Experience working with students with special needs, particularly in an inclusive educational setting
• Knowledge of curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessment methods
• Familiarity with Response to Intervention (RtI) and other evidence-based practices
• Ability to speak multiple languages, reflecting the diversity of our student population
• Experience with technology, including educational software and hardware

Skills and Competencies

To succeed in this role, you will need to demonstrate the following skills and competencies:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students, teachers, and families
• Emotional intelligence, empathy, and a deep understanding of the social and emotional needs of students
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow, responding to the changing needs of students and the school community
• Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities
• Cultural competence and a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of school life

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At Woodridge Elementary School District 68, we are committed to supporting the ongoing growth and development of our staff. As an Inclusion Teaching Assistant, you will have access to professional development opportunities, including in-service training, workshops, and conferences. You will also be part of a collaborative and supportive team, working together to promote academic excellence, social growth, and emotional well-being for all students.

Work Environment and Company Culture

Our school district is dedicated to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment, where every staff member feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference. We foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, recognizing that every individual brings unique perspectives, experiences, and strengths to our community.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range of $18.00 - $19.69 per hour, reflecting our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent. You will also be eligible for a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, demonstrating our investment in your well-being and quality of life.

Conclusion

If you are a dedicated, compassionate, and motivated individual who is passionate about supporting students with diverse needs, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As an Inclusion Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in promoting academic achievement, social inclusion, and emotional growth, making a lasting difference in the lives of our students. Join our team and become part of a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive educational community that is committed to excellence, equity, and social justice.

Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career as an Inclusion Teaching Assistant in Illinois. We look forward to welcoming you to our team and working together to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all our students.