Elementary School Teacher Assistant / 2026-27

Job Description

Job Description

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 our 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.

Our growing 15-acre campus in the Ohio City neighborhood is home to a vibrant mix of facilities and partners. The Roundstone Athletic Center features 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, along with a sports mini-pitch, lacrosse field, basketball court, three playgrounds, and learning garden.

UCS is a recipient of the 2026 and 2022 Top Workplace Award from The Plain Dealer, which is based solely on employee feedback. UCS 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.

Role Overview

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 that is aligned to the mission and values of the school.
• Support the teaching team in a variety of ways including:
• Preparing and setting up materials and activities.
• Working with individual students or small groups of students to support academic progress.
• Helping students meet behavior expectations.
• Implementing portions of the 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 but not limited to students' 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 needed.
• Assist with non-instructional duties as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Accountability and Dependability : Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieves results with little detailed oversight. Resourceful with 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. Is open to different and new ways of doing things. Able to work well under time demands and to perform multiple tasks.
• Collaboration : Works well in teams and with others in ways that promote goals and collective objectives. Service-oriented with 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.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• A 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.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of standing, moving throughout a classroom, and climbing stairs in a two story building.
• Prolonged periods of being 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.

Compensation and Benefits

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

Additional Information:

• Status : Full-Time; Non-Exempt
• Hours : 40 hours per week/school schedule
• Reports to (direct) : Division Director
• Reports to (indirect) : Chief Academic Officer
• Start Date : August 4, 2026

Urban Community School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Urban Community School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Urban Community School complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.