Assistant Science Teacher and Paraprofessional

Are you passionate about empowering young minds and making a meaningful impact in education? Access Services is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Assistant Science Teacher and Paraprofessional to join our team at Access Learning Academy in Pottstown, PA. In this dynamic role, you’ll support students in grades 6–12 by fostering their academic, social, and emotional growth. You’ll collaborate closely with our Academic Director to deliver engaging science instruction, adapt curriculum to meet diverse learning needs, and provide individualized review and support of IEP’s that helps students thrive. If you have a heart for education, a talent for de-escalation of adolescents, and a commitment to nurturing the potential in every student, we invite you to be part of a team that’s transforming lives through learning. 

Learn more about our work here:  https://www.accessservices.org/services/access-learning-academy/

 Essential Functions of the Assistant Science Teacher and Paraprofessional:  

• Share everyday responsibilities with co-teachers; maintain a positive, supportive environment at all times.  

• Engage with current and prospective parents and family members and show responsiveness to their needs.  

• Attend and participate in staff meetings, center events, and parent/customer meetings as requested. 

• Other duties as assigned include Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) course, homeroom, one-on-one support and tutoring and others as needed. 

• Complete timely and accurate documentation according to licensing or regulation requirements. 

 Demonstrate the following Organizational Competencies:  

• Client Focused: Show dedication to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external clients/stakeholders. 

• Teamwork: Balance team and individual responsibilities; exhibit objectivity and openness to others' views; give and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit; place success of the team above own interests; contribute to building morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; support everyone's efforts to succeed. 

Demonstrate the following Position Competencies:  

• Compliance: Maintain all licenses and certifications required of the position; follow all state and federal laws and Access Services policies and procedures while performing all duties of the role. 

• Quality: Pay attention to details; generate work that is up to expected standards of performance, and is accurate, neat, orderly, complete, and reliable. 

• Communication Skills: Organize and present ideas and information in a professional, clear, concise manner, either in writing or verbally; edit work products for spelling and grammar. 

• Interpersonal Skills: Maintain confidentiality; remain open to others’ ideas; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; handle conflict professionally; participate in meetings.  

• Dependability: Adhere to attendance standards; follow through on instructions; respond to management direction; take responsibility for own actions; keep commitments; complete tasks in a timely manner. 

• Problem Solving: Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully; develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem solving situations; use reason even when dealing with emotional topics. 

 Other: 

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance, and work scheduled overtime, or be available for unplanned overtime as necessary, to meet program needs. 

• This is a student-facing position that does not include remote or hybrid work schedule options. It requires full-time, on-site presence due to the nature of the role and responsibilities.  

Requirements and Qualifications of the Assistant Science Teacher and Paraprofessional: 

 Education:  

• Bachelor’s degree in education is required; interest in sciences preferred.  

• Working toward a Special Education Certification preferred. 

 Certification:  

• Currently updated with ACT 48 requirements with Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is required.  

• CPR/First Aid Certification is required.  

Experience:  

• 12- 18 months of professional teaching experience is required.  

• Experience working directly with children with behavioral health needs preferred.  

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications, platforms and technologies, including proficency in MS Office.  

• Desire to work with children with emotional and behavioral challenges. 

• Familiarity with developmentally appropriate curriculum. 

• Commitment to professional development. 

• Be an enthusiastic team player.  

• Ability to intervene and de-escalate students if agitated through non-physical interventions. (This is a team approach of non-physical de-escalation). 

 Essential Working Conditions/Physical Demands:  

• Work in a standard office environment; utilize desktop computer equipment on a daily basis.  

• Able to lift or move items associated with sedentary work and light work (exert up to 20 lbs.)  

• May require same physical and lifting requirements as an employee who regularly provides direct care should s/he be needed to assist. 

Salary:  

$51,000-$54,000, with rate established by education and related work experience.  

Our full-time comprehensive benefits package includes: 

• Health, Vision, RX & Dental Insurances, HSA/FSA, 401k program.  

• Tuition Reimbursement program. 

• 20 days PTO (vacation, sick days), 7 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays.  

• Mileage/Toll Reimbursement, paid travel time between worksites. 

• Life insurance, Short/Long Term Disability, Catastrophic Sick Leave, Paid Parental Leave.  

• Employee Assistance Program (telehealth/in person). 

• Referral Bonus Program up to $750 per hire.  

• College tuition discounts, Credit Union perks, retail discounts.  

Access Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.