Teaching Assistant

Description

$28–33/hour | Part-Time, 20 hrs/week | Petaluma, CA
Mon–Fri, approx. 12:30–4:30pm | Residential Program for Neurodivergent Teens

About the Role:
Muir Wood is hiring a part-time Teaching Assistant (internally titled Academic Coordinator) for our Sonoma Mountain residential program serving neurodivergent boys ages 12–17. Staying connected to school is part of how teens heal. You’ll keep the classroom calm and structured, help students stay engaged with coursework from their home schools, and adapt day-to-day learning support to each student’s strengths, communication style, and sensory needs. This is an academic support role working alongside academic and clinical leadership — no teaching credential or clinical license required.

Academic programming runs about 2.5 hours per day, with additional scheduled time for lesson prep, progress tracking, and school coordination. The program has six beds today and will grow to 12.

Why Join Us:

• Small classroom — up to six students, not a crowded school setting
• Competitive pay for part-time academic support work
• Specialized program supporting neurodivergent teens in a structured, affirming environment
• Collaborative team alongside academic leadership, therapists, and care staff
• Gain experience toward careers in education, special education, psychology, or counseling
• Work that matters — helping teens and families through some of the hardest moments of their lives

What You’ll Do:

• Support and supervise daily academic blocks for up to six residents, promoting engagement and consistent routine
• Help teens access and complete assignments from their home schools or approved online coursework, including individualized assistance and basic tutoring
• Adapt materials, pacing, instructions, and classroom setup to students’ learning profiles, attention needs, and sensory preferences
• Track assignments, participation, progress, and barriers to learning with academic leadership
• Communicate with the Director of Academics, Clinical Director, and care team about academic progress and emerging concerns
• Support coordination with home schools and families under the direction of academic leadership
• Maintain a respectful, predictable, strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming learning environment
• Follow program policies for documentation, confidentiality, safety, and escalation of concerns

Requirements

What We’re Looking For:

Must Have:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Comfortable assisting students across varied academic subjects and online learning platforms
• Strong organization, patience, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team

Preferred:

• Experience supporting adolescents in a classroom, tutoring, special education, or youth development setting
• Experience with neurodivergent teens, including autism, ADHD, or learning differences
• College coursework or degree in education, psychology, or a related field

About Muir Wood:
We provide trauma-informed, relationship-centered residential treatment for teens ages 12–17. Our Sonoma Mountain program offers a structured, affirming environment where neurodivergent teens can build on their unique strengths — guided by a team of educators, clinicians, and direct care staff.

Muir Wood Teen Treatment is an Equal Opportunity Employer.