1st- Grade Teaching Assistants K-5 (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 1200 scholars from Kindergarten to 12th grade across 3 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

Teaching Assistants will report to the Principal of their assigned grade span or his/her designee. In addition to supporting the whole class, Teaching Assistants will be responsible for individual scholars and/or smaller groups of scholars who need assistance to absorb the lesson material. They will work with the lead teacher to create lesson plans for the class and assist with the administrative requirements, such as attendance and record-keeping. They will be responsible for working with scholars in Tier 2 and developing their own intervention plan for Tier 3 scholars.  They will provide guided reading instruction and conference with scholars about their growth and areas of need improvement.

• Assist teachers by preparing major subject area lesson plans
• Attend faculty meetings and parent conferences
• Prepare guided reading lesson plans
• Assume classroom responsibilities when the lead teacher is absent
• Responsible for Tier 3 instruction for scholars in MATH and Reading (Based on F&P) and i-Ready Data 
• Provide guided reading instruction daily to groups of scholars who are Tier 3 
• Monitor i-Ready weekly instruction and provide a weekly report to scholars and lead teacher each week
• Work with smaller groups of scholars for remedial teaching or reinforcing the learning process
• Participate in CST meetings to discuss progress of Tier 3 scholars
• Review and internalize lesson plans
• Understand and follow the components of the Danielson Framework of  Teaching 
• Set up necessary material for classes (e.g. technology, workstations, manipulative, etc.)
• Track scholar attendance and class schedules
• Escort and supervise scholars within the school building, on field trips and school activities
• Make sure classrooms are safe, neat, and orderly before classes start and throughout the day 
• Assist teachers with various tasks, like grading assignments, recording anecdotals, and informing parents of their children’s progress
• Help scholars adjust, learn, and socialize and report to teachers about possible behavioral issues
• Remain up to date with school administrative requirements and learning methods
• Teach & lead their assigned class in the absence of the lead teacher
• In collaboration with the lead teacher, provide communication to families about their scholar 
• Implement scholar goals and scholar plans (i.e. - IEP goals, Behavior Intervention Plans, etc.)
• Monitor lunch and recess
• Be on time for assigned posts such as cafeteria guard, hall monitor, etc.
• Ensure proven academic growth of scholars they supervise 
• Respond to emails within 24 hours 
• Any additional responsibilities assigned by Administration

• We will consider candidates who can demonstrate: 
• Commitment to and alignment with CPCS  mission, vision, program goals, and curriculum
• Positive experience in taking the initiative, assuming accountability, and being productive 
• Ability to adapt to unforeseen situations
• Ability to create a positive school culture that is welcoming, fun, and conducive to learning 
• Willingness to integrate technology and/or media in the classroom
• Evidence of commitment to continuous professional growth 
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with scholars, lead teacher, colleagues, parents/families 
• Great communication and organizational skillsCool-tempered and positive attitudeFirm but kind personality
• A love for teaching and the ability to build a trusting relationship with all stakeholders (scholars, colleagues, parents, community members)
• Flexibility

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Candidates with an associate’s degree and prior experience working with children may be considered if they demonstrate a trajectory in a teaching career (i.e. enrolled in a teacher certification program, enrolled in an alternative certification program, has had their experience assessed by TEACH, NYS Department of Education Office of Teaching Initiatives)
• NYS Level 1 Teacher Assistant Certification required
• Classroom experience in an urban school setting preferred
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player

• Challenge Charter School's staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off, matching of retirement contributions up to 3%, and more
• Comprehensive benefits package including 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 trainings, and ongoing coaching by professionals
• This is a full-time position which begins in mid-August and goes through the end of June.

School Sites

Grades K-1: 1279 Redfern Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691

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

Selection Process  

Phase I - Virtual Interview with the HR Recruiter 

Phase II - Demo, Panel Interview, and Interview with the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning K-5

Final - Reference Check, Offer, and Contract

Work Year

This full-time position begins in mid-August and goes through the end of June.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Challenge Charter School is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, particularly in the Far Rockaway area, and committed to educating students. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our relentless work. Challenge Charter School offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Learn more about our mission, team, and the exciting things happening at Challenge by visiting

https://challengecharterschools.org/