Middle School Instructional Assistant

Instructional Assistant

Prairie Crossing Charter School (PCCS) is currently accepting applications for an Instructional Assistant for the 2026-2027 school year. PCCS's team culture is one that CARES. We seek to bring on a talented individual who is collaborative, aware, respectful, empowering and sustainable. We work hard to create child-centered classrooms by consistently practicing differentiated instruction, using integrated units, and implementing authentic assessments to evaluate student growth.

Benefits of Joining the PCCS Team

Education for Sustainability This is what makes PCCS successful. Along with meeting and exceeding the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, PCCS seeks to meet and exceed Education for Sustainability (EfS) Benchmarks for Individual and Social Learning in equipping our students to become community-centered and environmentally responsible. It's what our problem, project, and place-based learning approach is all about. We provide children with a personalized education experience, where they learn the value of community and the environment so they can make a positive difference for themselves and their communities.

Constant Improvement PCCS Instructional assistants have the opportunity to develop their skills through our Institute Days and bi-monthly professional development sessions. Additionally, each IA will work with a mentor and an environmental coach who provide individualized support. Our collaborative environment is rooted in student achievement data and focused on improving instructional practice and student learning. These opportunities allow us to build a vibrant professional learning community where we can sharpen our skills and have fun.

Collaboration We are constantly building a professional learning community where all staff are having the hard conversations and we are pushing each other to get better at our craft.

Exemplary Colleagues When you decide to join the PCCS team, you are choosing to work with award-winning professionals who strive together to Create Natural Leaders. We believe that children are our best hope to improve the world, if you do too, we want you to join our team.

Job Description

Supports the administration of the school curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives. Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small-group instruction, and student learning. Assists with lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to best meet the students' needs Supports ongoing assessment of student learning, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed, and assists in data collection Aids in the instruction of students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters as needed Teams with classroom teachers to organize and maintain a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws. Partners in encouraging parental involvement in students' education and ensuring effective communication with students and parents. Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom. Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees. Collaborates with teachers to help select and requisition appropriate books, instructional aids, and other supplies and equipment and maintain inventory records. Communicate with the team difficulties the students are having academically or behaviorally that is impacting the students' progress Administers basic first aid and medical assistance to meet immediate medical care needs. Assists students on field trips to ensure the students get to and from school and to the proper places safely. Is the classroom supervisor in the absence of the Lead Teacher Attends meetings and in-service presentations to acquire and/or convey information relative to job functions. Communicates with classroom teacher and related professional support personnel to assist in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP/504 objectives. Participates in the implementation of IEP/504 instructional and behavioral goals within the classroom to meet the Plan goals and district benchmarks, and ensuring effective and safe student learning. Monitors students during assigned periods within various school environments (e.g. lunch, school crossings, playground, classroom, restroom, field trips, assemblies, etc.) to maintain a safe and positive learning environment. Maintain confidentiality of all student information at all times. Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Deans and Directors and other central office administrators as designated by the Executive Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities General knowledge of elementary and middle school-aged students' growth and development Ability to organize and coordinate work. Ability to communicate effectively with teachers, students, and parents. Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. Education/Experience Bachelor's degree (preferred) from an accredited college or university in Elementary Education or a related discipline applicable to teaching assignment. Valid IL Paraprofessional Educator License Environmental/Outdoor Education background is a plus.

Salary and Benefits Base salary: Starts at $16.50 hourly (depending on experience & qualifications). Benefits Package includes competitive PTO as well as: Health Insurance: Various Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage options are available. Retirement: 403 B Plan Professional Development: Funding for professional development opportunities, including conferences and workshops. Work Schedule and Hours: The position is up to 40 hours a week from mid-August to first part of June.

PCCS is an equal-opportunity employer and fully embraces diversity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better we will be.