Teaching Assistant

Creative Minds International Public Charter School (CMIPCS) is currently seeking a Teaching Assistant. Teaching Assistants are integral members of the classroom community, providing support to an entire class, or to an individual who requires one-on-one support to access learning.

About CMIPCS
Creative Minds International Public Charter School (CMI) was founded in 2012 to offer public school students a free international, arts-based, and inclusive educational opportunity through a student-centered pedagogical approach.

CMI is the only DC public school that offers a rich and progressive international curriculum from preschool through middle school, which incorporates the latest research on how children learn. Our commitment to international mindedness manifests in our rigorous academics and is lived out through our diverse student body. CMI’s commitment to inclusion is our unique way of showing our students how to respect and embrace differences of every kind. All are welcome at CMI to learn and grow!

The Position
Teaching Assistants at Creative Minds International provide an inviting, exciting, learning environment for students. They support student engagement in meaningful learning opportunities. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting implementation of IPC/IMYC and Common Core State Standards-based goals and objectives in small group instruction;
• Reinforcing clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, and assessments;
• Support the classroom teachers in meeting the needs, interests and abilities for all students, including students with disabilities, EL students, and those who are gifted and talented;
• Drawing on content from CMI professional development to reinforce student learning, promote social-emotional development and contribute to a positive school culture;
• Supporting observations of  students and taking anecdotal notes to inform planning in the arrangement of small groups, classroom setup, integrations of students’ interests in learning activities, and subsequent assessments;
• Enhancing student progress through informal student evaluations;
• Supporting the use of a variety of instructional materials, resources, and experiences to enrich student learning;
• Collaborating with teachers to provide educational opportunities that reflect an understanding of students’ unique sensory and information processing profiles;
• Using appropriate techniques and strategies that promote and enhance creative problem-solving and evaluative thinking of students;
• Working with teachers to support the progress of individual students;
• Using effective, positive, and respectful interpersonal communication skills;
• Establishing positive relationships with colleagues, students, families and the community which reflect recognition of and respect for every individual;
• Incorporating technology into instruction;
• Attending required professional development sessions.

Desired Qualities

• Excellent communication skills; 
• Demonstrated ability and experience to engage the interest of school-age children; 
• Prior experience in a public or private school, preferably in an urban setting; 
• Demonstrated ability to work well with parents; 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member; 
• Patience, flexibility, and a willingness to take risks;
• Consistent reflection on her/his own teaching practices;
• Experience working with linguistically and ethnically diverse student populations and children with developmental differences;
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and eagerness to learn;
• Demonstrated commitment to the well-being and success of all students.

Qualifications 

• High School Diploma (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
• CDA or eligible for para-pro or CDA
• Previous experience required ( previous experience working with students with special needs preferred)

Why join CMIPCS?

At CMICPS, you will join a staff uniquely committed to a vision of inclusion and equity for all types of learners. At CMI you will find a team of educators who deeply believe that all students can learn and will make a contribution to their community. Our staff culture reflects our three pillars of Arts-Integration, Inclusion, and International Mindedness. Our dedication to Arts-Integration allows for a creative and collaborative atmosphere, as classroom lead teachers, support staff, and enlightenment teachers all work together to plan engaging and enriching content that weaves the Arts into all subjects. At CMI, we take seriously the idea that “no significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.” Using the Greenspan Floortime model as our framework for understanding child development has allowed our staff to take a proactive, relationship-based disciplinary approach to student behaviors. CMI educators are dedicated to learning about the individual needs of their students through building strong relationships with students and their families. In order for CMI to be an effective inclusion model, each of our educators, regardless of role or responsibility, is committed to seeking out best practices for delivering instruction and responding to the academic and social-emotional needs of all children. The CMI teacher is empathetic and welcoming of mistakes (both academic and behavioral) because CMI educators know that mistakes lead to learning opportunities if children are held to high standards. Through our focus on International Mindedness, CMI educators seek to build responsible global citizens by providing  students with ample opportunities to reflect on their own identities while building an awareness of others’ experiences. CMI educators serve as models of International Mindedness by weaving each of our Personal Goals or character traits into their pedagogy. By embodying Adaptability, Communication, Cooperation, Inquiry, Integrity, Resilience, Respect, and Thoughtfulness, our staff models a solutions-oriented, growth-mindset when tackling challenging situations.

To Apply
A successful application will include a resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications for this position.  Please submit the requested information to cmi.elementary@creativemindspcs.org.  We will only be contacting candidates selected for interviews and will require letters of recommendation and/or references for any candidates being considered for this position.  

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Creative Minds International PCS is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.