Elementary School Teaching Assistant (Breakthrough Academy)

Breakthrough Academy Learning Assistant Help children learn. Build relationships. Be part of something new. Breakthrough Academy is a new Missouri Charter School located at Operation Breakthrough, and we are looking for caring, energetic adults who want to make a difference in the lives of Kansas City children. As a Learning Assistant, you will be an important member of our classroom team.

You will work alongside teachers to help children learn, explore, solve problems, build friendships, and develop confidence. You will work with students individually and in small groups, participate in hands-on learning experiences, and help create a classroom where every child feels known, valued, and capable. You do not have to be a career educator to be successful in this position.

We are looking for people who enjoy children, are willing to learn, and want to be part of a team. Experience working with children is helpful, but we are willing to train the right person. At Breakthrough Academy, you will join a team of passionate professionals who believe that every child can learn and reach their greatest potential.

STATUS: Non-exempt, full-time TITLE: Breakthrough Academy Learning Assistant WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Build positive, trusting relationships with students and help them feel safe, welcomed, and ready to learn.
• Work alongside the classroom teacher to support learning throughout the day.
• Work with individual students and small groups to reinforce reading, math, science, and other classroom learning.
• Help students participate in hands-on projects and real-world learning experiences.
• Support STEM activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Encourage students to try new things, ask questions, solve problems, and persevere when learning is challenging.
• Help students develop social-emotional skills, including managing emotions, solving conflicts, working with others, and building friendships.
• Support students during classroom transitions, recess, lunch, electives, and other school activities.
• Help create a positive, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
• Use Conscious Discipline and other positive strategies to help children develop self-regulation and make positive choices.
• Provide encouragement and support when students need extra help getting back on track.
• Help prepare classroom materials, activities, and learning spaces.
• Support students in developing digital literacy and using technology as a learning tool.
• Work as part of a team and communicate regularly with teachers and other staff about student needs and progress.
• Participate in professional learning and grow your skills as an educator.
• Help make Breakthrough Academy a place where children are excited to come to school and adults enjoy coming to work.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Enjoys working with elementary-age children.
• Is patient, caring, and able to build positive relationships with children.
• Is dependable and willing to be an active member of a classroom team.
• Can communicate effectively with children and adults.
• Is willing to learn and try new approaches.
• Can stay calm and positive when things don't go as planned.
• Enjoys hands-on learning, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Believes every child has strengths and the ability to learn and grow.
• Is comfortable working with children from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
• Is willing to learn and use Conscious Discipline.
• Has experience working with children, youth, or families or is eager to learn.
• Has a Para and Sub Certificate or is willing to obtain one. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who cares about children and wants to make a difference. WHY WORK AT BREAKTHROUGH ACADEMY? At Breakthrough Academy, you won't simply be helping in a classroom. You will be part of a team building something new for Kansas City children.
• Build meaningful relationships with students.
• See the difference your work makes every day.
• Learn from experienced educators.
• Develop skills in teaching, child development, STEM, and social-emotional learning.
• Be part of a collaborative school community.
• Help create a school where children are known, supported, and challenged to reach their potential. WORKING CONDITIONS Work takes place in an elementary school environment, including classrooms, common areas, outdoor spaces, recess, and other school settings. The position requires regular interaction and movement throughout the school day and may include standing, walking, sitting with students, and participating in hands-on activities. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Operation Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Operation Breakthrough is “At Will”.