Elementary School Teacher Assistant / 2026-27

About the Organization

For over 55 years, Urban Community School (UCS) has served Cleveland's children by providing an individualized, innovative, and challenging education. Rooted in the Ursuline Sisters' tradition of faith, character, and educational excellence, UCS engages faculty, families, and community partners in the successful whole child development of students. Serving nearly 800 children from 6 weeks old through 8th grade, the school uses restorative practices and conscious discipline to foster growth and community.

Accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS), UCS enrolls a student body in which seventy-six percent of families are economically disadvantaged. The growing 15-acre campus in the Ohio City neighborhood features a vibrant mix of facilities and partners, including the Roundstone Athletic Center with the Glick Family Fieldhouse and the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. The campus also hosts The MetroHealth System, House of Champions, Urban Squash Cleveland, USA Lacrosse, Re:Source Cleveland, and Facing History and Ourselves. Outdoor spaces include Doyle Field, a new Little League field, a sports mini-pitch, lacrosse field, basketball court, three playgrounds, and a learning garden.

UCS is a recipient of the 2022 Top Workplace Award from The Plain Dealer, based solely on employee feedback. The school has also been recognized as one of Cleveland's City Champions by The Plain Dealer, a National Green Ribbon School for Environmental Practices and Learning Model, and a School of Excellence by the Cleveland Foundation and The George Gund Foundation.

About the Role

The Teacher Assistant (TA) supports classroom teachers by working with students individually or in small groups to reinforce instructional material, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA) and/or Math, and provide general student support services that catalyze whole child development. This role is essential in fostering a positive learning environment, promoting academic growth, and meeting the different needs of all learners. Teacher Assistants work alongside outstanding teachers who are committed to partnership and growth.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with students, parents/caregivers, and educators.
• Provide a safe and engaging learning environment aligned with the mission and values of the school.
• Support the teaching team by:
  • Preparing and setting up materials and activities.
  • Working with individual students or small groups to support academic progress.
  • Helping students meet behavior expectations.
  • Implementing portions of lessons as directed by the teacher.
  • Assisting in keeping the classroom and storage areas clean, neat, and organized.
• Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times.
• Share anecdotal observations and notes with the teacher to support student learning and development.
• Keep accurate student records, including academic progress, attendance, behavior, and parental contacts.
• Partner with the teaching team to understand key goals and initiatives for the school year.
• Provide active supervision during lunch and recess.
• Attend intellectual preparation sessions and other grade-level meetings as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings and training as required.
• Assist with non-instructional duties as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Educational Aide permit issued by the Ohio Department of Education required or obtained within 3 months of hire date.
• Previous experience working with elementary school students strongly preferred.

Skills

• Accountability and Dependability: Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; achieves results with little detailed oversight. Resourceful with the ability to work independently. Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Adapts to changing school and student needs, conditions, and responsibilities. Open to different and new ways of doing things. Able to work well under time demands and perform multiple tasks.
• Collaboration: Works well in teams and with others to promote goals and collective objectives. Service-oriented with the ability to effectively interact with students, staff, and administrators. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Initiative: Recognizes situations that warrant initiative and moves forward without hesitation; reasonably resolves issues, problems, or situations. Willing to participate in skills enhancement and professional development.
• Student Focus: Builds and maintains student service and success; provides excellent service to students. Ability to work with confidential information and maintain student confidentiality.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of standing, moving throughout a classroom, and climbing stairs in a two-story building.
• Prolonged periods outside to support arrival/dismissal, recess, and other transitions.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• FBI/BCI background check required.

Pay

Hourly wage commensurate with experience ($14.50 - $17.85 per hour).

Benefits

• 401(k) with a generous employer contribution and match.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Tuition discount for students who attend UCS.
• Educational assistance program (up to $2,000 per year).
• Casual work attire (denim and UCS spirit wear are welcomed).
• On-site fitness center for faculty and staff.
• Financial and retirement advising at no cost to employees.
• Opportunities for discounts on home, rental, and auto insurance.

Schedule

• Status: Full-Time; Non-Exempt.
• Hours: 40 hours per week/school schedule.
• Start Date: August 4, 2026.

Reports to: Division Director (direct) and Chief Academic Officer (indirect).