Join our staff as an assistant teacher for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond ! We are looking for an immediate full time teaching assistant to work at our small school for neurodivergent children (those with sensory, learning, and communication differences) ages 5-14. You will work in a small classroom (no more than six students) under the supervision of our lead teacher and executive director. We offer low student-teacher ratios, customized learning plans, and sensory support to provide our kids with the holistic experience they need to learn best. You'll learn innovative teaching approaches and meet some amazing kids! Friendship Forest Academy is committed to creating a safe environment where neurodivergent children can learn, explore, discover, and create. Our mission is to provide high-quality education to students who need tailored and creative educational approaches that foster their intrinsic love for learning and cultivating lifelong relationships. We believe flexible educational strategies and innovative perspectives are crucial to a meaningful learning process. We exist to support neurodiversity and to aid our students in finding and nurturing their unique abilities, fulfilling their dreams, and benefiting society.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED. Some college preferred Must have experience working with neurodivergent children. Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office, school-based staff, students, parents, and community. Effective oral and written communication skills. Excellent human relations skills. Ability to deeply understand and practice the ideas on which our core beliefs are based.

Primary Responsibilities:

Always supervise and ensure the safety of students. Organize and arrange the classroom to facilitate group and individual learning activities, always considering students' sensory particularities. Ensure smooth transitions from one activity to another. Maintain an orderly system for housekeeping duties, including attendance, passes, announcements, distributing, and collecting materials. Ensure the maintenance of a solid routine that favors students' familiarity with the school day and environment. Use various effective techniques to communicate any change in the classroom routine to students. Assist students with hygiene tasks including but not limited to washing hands and wiping faces, as well as toilet training and assistance. Organize a learning environment to maximize student interest in learning activities and social relationships. Work with students to apply lessons designed by the lead teacher. Assist the teacher in creating an environment conducive to learning where the students can be exposed to several effective ways to communicate with others. Use art such as music and dance to encourage healthy interactions in the classroom. Maintain professional responsibilities and act as a role model. Demonstrate punctuality to class, assigned duties, and other school activities. Submit records, reports, and forms accurately and promptly. Follow the lesson plans provided by the headteacher. Maintain regular attendance. Demonstrate a willingness to share ideas, methods, and materials. Cooperate with staff and support the development of activities and goals of the school. Encourage positive school and home communications.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the assistant is frequently required to sit or stand for extended periods. The assistant must also talk, hear, stand, and walk. Assistants may be required to use their hands to finger, handle, feel, and reach. The assistant is often required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The assistant must occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$20.00 per hour Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): Why do you want to work with us?

Work Location:

In person