Teaching Assistant Alternative Education Program (AEP)

Location:

Southwestern High School Overview:

The Teaching Assistant (TA) for the Alternative Education Program (AEP) serves as a primary daily support and visible, trusted presence for students and families. This individual is a relationship builder, advocate, and stabilizing force for students who require intensive academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support. The TA works closely with AEP teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff to foster engagement centered around student needs and help students succeed in a judgment-free, trauma-informed environment. Help students develop grit, perseverance, foundational academic skills, and positive school engagement in a judgment-free, trauma-informed environment. This role requires flexibility, empathy, strong communication skills, and a deep belief that every student can grow when treated with dignity, respect, and consistency.

Qualifications:

Required:

High school diploma (or equivalent) New York State Teaching Assistant Certification Ability to build rapport with adolescents, including at-risk youth Strong communication, patience, and interpersonal skills Willingness to support students with significant academic and social-emotional needs

Preferred:

Experience working with alternative education, special education, or high-need student populations Background or training in SEL, behavior support, trauma-informed practices, or youth services Experience collaborating with various staff, including teachers, counselors, administrators, and community agencies

Responsibilities & Expectations:

Work is primarily in a classroom-based AEP setting Requires emotional resilience, flexibility, and consistency Ability to remain calm and supportive during challenging student situations, utilizing effective de-escalation strategies Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student dignity

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Support & Supervision Serve as a consistent, daily adult presence and point of connection for AEP students Provide 1:1 and small group academic support, reinforcing foundational skills in reading, writing, math, and work habits Support students with organization, task initiation, persistence, and follow-through Assist students in developing grit, perseverance, self-regulation, and coping skills Monitor student behavior and engagement, reinforcing expectations aligned with AEP and district policy Maintain a safe space where students feel respected and supported. Social - Emotional Learning (SEL) & Behavioral Support Assist the AEP Counselor with SEL lessons, activities, and informal check-ins Support students during moments of dysregulation using trauma-informed and restorative practices Build trusting relationships with students who are at risk, emotionally vulnerable, or experiencing challenges inside and outside of school Help students practice appropriate social skills, communication, and problem-solving strategies Family & Community Communication Serve as a welcoming and approachable point of contact for students and families Communicate professionally and respectfully with caregivers via phone, email, or scheduled meetings on a frequent basis Support positive family-school partnerships grounded in trust, empathy, and collaboration Collaboration & Teamwork Collaborate respectfully with AEP teaching staff, counselors, administrators, and support personnel Work closely with the counseling department and School Resource Officer (SRO) when appropriate Support implementation of Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) and behavior supports Participate in team meetings, problem-solving conversations, and student support planning Creative problem-solving to address the individualized needs of all students in the program Program & School Alignment Uphold and model Southwestern's mission, vision, and core values in all interactions Reinforce AEP program expectations related to attendance, behavior, and engagement Support reintegration goals and transitions as students progress Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times Promote academic growth through credit recovery, skill-building, and individualized learning support Mission, Vision & Values Alignment The AEP Teacher Assistant is expected to actively support and model Southwestern's shared commitments: Learning for

All:

Engaging and Preparing for Future Success Fostering a physically, socially, and emotionally safe learning environment Demonstrating integrity, kindness, connection, and excellence Building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues Promoting Trojan kindness, pride, and accountability