Academic Assistant (25-26 SY)

Who We Are

Since its founding in 2010, Challenge Preparatory Charter School (Challenge Prep) has provided students and families with a successful academic program in Far Rockaway, Queens. We currently serve over 1100 scholars in 4 sites. Our school’s mission is to prepare students from the greater Far Rockaway community to excel academically, to demonstrate mastery of the NY State Learning Standards, and to achieve their career aspirations. Challenge cultivates and supports the intellectual, aesthetic, social, emotional, and ethical development of its students and prepares them to be responsible 21st century citizens. To accomplish its mission, Challenge offers a rigorous instructional program in a safe, supportive, technology-infused and data-enriched and social-emotional learning sequence, authentic field experiences, career counseling, and college coursework. It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites, and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars.

Understanding The Role

• The main responsibility for the Academic Assistant is to enable the scholars to pursue their academic goals and also allow the instructors to carry out the instructional activities efficiently while maintaining operational excellence. The Academic Assistant will perform several clerical tasks for scholars, teachers, and administrative staff as well as some operational duties. The Academic Assistant assists the teachers and scholars in the classroom and also in extracurricular activities if required. The Academic Assistant will also act as a source of information to the scholars. This position reports to the Principal
  
  
  

Overall Job Goals And Responsibilities

• Prepare instructional materials, test papers, scorecards, handouts and other material necessary for tutoring and evaluation of students
• Participate in the community service activities, after-school and family events, or any other activities aimed for the social betterment
• Supervise scholars late arrivals and late dismissal
• Monitor students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (classroom,restroom, hallway, recess, busing, field trips, lunch, playground, etc.)
• Assist operational and teaching staff with tasks that include but are not limited to:Maintaining storage and supply areas; Assisting with unpacking/checking of materials; Updating bulletin boards throughout the building; Making copies and distributing materials to classes or students
• Serve as point of contact in the main office by phone, email or in person demonstrating high levels of customer service at all times
• Provide Main Office Coverage: Take shifts covering the Main Office as necessary. Ensure that the spaceis always clean, professional, and welcoming for parents and visitors. Critical forms and information forfamilies should always be on display and desks and floors should be free of clutter and boxes
• Respond to the Main Office email and voicemail within 24 hours of receiving
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Administration
  
  
  

Who We Seek

• We will consider candidates who can demonstrate:
• Ability to create a positive school culture that is welcoming, conducive to learning, and joyful
• Commitment to and alignment with CPCS mission, vision, program goals, and curriculumTeamwork, organizational skills, and dedication
• Strong communication skills with scholars and staff
• Positive experience in taking the initiative, assuming accountability and being productive
• Evidence of commitment to continuous professional growth
  
  
  

Qualifications

• High School diploma or general equivalency diploma required
• NYS Level 1 Teacher Assistant Certification required
• English and Spanish speaking
• Experience in an urban school setting preferred
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
  
  
  

Benefits And Perks

• Challenge Charter School's staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off, matching of retirement contributions up to 3%, and more
• The comprehensive benefits package includes four health plans to choose from, two dental plans, and vision insurance.
• We also offer flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care, and transit
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning
• Professional development: weekly PD, year-round training, and the ongoing coaching by professionals
  
  
  

School Sites

Grades K-1: 12-79 Redfern Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Grades 2-5: 710 Hartman Lane, Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Selection Process

Phase I - Interview with a member of the K-5 Instructional Leadership (ILT) Team

Phase II - Panel Interview and Skills Assessment with the ILT

Phase III - Final Interview with the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning K-5

Final - Reference Check, Offer and Contract

Work Year

This is a full-time 12 month position.