1st Grade Teaching Assistant 2026-2027 (Northeast Campus)

Highline Academy is a community of diverse youth and adults striving together for academic, civic, and personal excellence. Founded in 2004, Highline is committed to inclusive excellence. Our students come from fifty countries, speak 26 different languages, represent a full range of socio-economic backgrounds, and previous educational experiences. Highline students consistently outperform district and state averages, supported by strong faculty and student retention rates.

We offer a liberal arts education including Art, Music, Spanish, and P.E. instruction. We maintain high expectations for all learners, providing smaller group instruction in math and language arts, robust intervention programs, and full inclusion for students with special needs. Our character education program, Reach, teaches values of responsibility, empowerment, aspiration, citizenship, and honesty.

About the Role

Teaching Assistants are vital members of our team, supporting a rigorous and adaptive curriculum while fostering a positive classroom culture. You will collaborate closely with lead teachers, build strong relationships with students, and uphold high academic and behavioral expectations. A student-first approach is central to this role, ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Schedule

• 186-day work year (175 student contact days + 11 professional development/parent conference days).
• Daily schedule: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM (4:30 PM on Fridays for early release and professional development).
• One week of summer professional development before the school year begins.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a positive classroom culture and climate.
• Practice effective classroom management and restorative justice protocols.
• Manage student behavior in all school areas, inside and outside the classroom.
• Collaborate and engage thoughtfully with students, colleagues, and families.
• Reflect on and develop professional practice continuously.
• Uphold Highline’s Internal Commitments for Professional Practice, including:
  • Valuing diversity, needs, and learning styles through shared ownership of student learning.
  • Setting clear, purposeful objectives and using assessment data to refine instruction.
  • Embracing diversity and fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all.
  • Communicating directly, intentionally, and gracefully with all stakeholders.
  • Empowering faculty, students, and families to actively participate in student success.
  • Focusing on what is essential for student success and Highline’s mission.
  • Modeling and enforcing Highline’s academic and behavioral expectations.
• Support lead teachers in delivering a rigorous, adaptive curriculum.
• Build positive relationships with students while holding them to high expectations.
• Implement proactive classroom management systems, rituals, and routines.
• Seek support and information from colleagues as needed.
• Strengthen the home-to-school connection by engaging and supporting families.
• Attend all assigned professional development sessions with respect and attention.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience appropriate to the assignment.
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the Highline mission.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk quickly, bend, kneel, crouch, sit, stand, and use hands to grab or hold objects.
• Lift up to 40 lbs without difficulty.
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior when working with children and adults.
• Sit for extended periods during group training.

Pay

Starting salary range: $34,000–$42,000.

Benefits

• Colorado PERA/PERA 401K.
• Life Insurance.
• Paid-Time Off.
• Short Term Disability.
• Health Gap Insurance.
• Dental and Vision coverage.