Teaching Assistant (Harlem Gems)

As a Teaching Assistant at Harlem Gems, your primary responsibilities include supporting the Lead Teacher in delivering lessons, managing classroom behavior, and assisting students in achieving grade-level standards. You will also help monitor students' well-being, facilitate transitions, manage emergencies according to school policies, and participate in engaging activities that support the Gems curriculum.

To be considered for the Teaching Assistant position at Harlem Gems, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree and have a background in early childhood education. It's also necessary to possess a valid New York State Teaching Assistant Certification or be in the process of obtaining it, which should be completed within 30 days of hire.

Harlem Gems promotes a supportive and inclusive environment for Teaching Assistants, encouraging collaboration with a dedicated team that includes academic coaches, guidance counselors, and social workers. The focus is on creating a culturally rich learning space where Teaching Assistants can thrive and actively contribute to a child’s education.

The salary for the Teaching Assistant position at Harlem Gems is $40,000 per year. In addition to this competitive pay, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid time off and health insurance options.

Teaching Assistants at Harlem Gems can expect biweekly professional development and continuous support from a committed team of academic professionals. This ensures that you have the resources and guidance necessary to excel in your role and effectively support our scholars.

To handle a classroom disruption as a Teaching Assistant, first, maintain composure and assess the situation. Use calm verbal cues to redirect the students' attention, clearly communicate expectations, and apply appropriate classroom management techniques as outlined by the Lead Teacher. Engaging with students to understand their perspectives can help restore order and reinforce a positive learning environment.

In your answer, be specific about your experiences with young children. Highlight any prior positions in early childhood education or relevant volunteer work that demonstrate your ability to connect with kids. Discuss specific strategies you used to foster engagement or support children’s learning, and share what you learned about their developmental needs.

Discuss your approach to individualized instruction, emphasizing differentiation strategies you utilize to cater to varying learning styles and paces. Include examples of how you collaborate with teachers to monitor student progress and provide support that helps students meet their academic goals.

Talk about creative methods you've used to engage families, such as organizing classroom events, providing regular communication regarding student progress, or inviting parents into the classroom for hands-on activities. Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of building strong connections between home and school.

A positive learning environment fosters inclusivity, respect, and engagement. In your response, explain how you create an atmosphere where students feel safe to express themselves, share ideas, and collaborate with peers while emphasizing the importance of high expectations and personal accountability.

Illustrate your understanding of cultural diversity by sharing examples of inclusive practices you’ve implemented in previous roles. Discuss how you celebrate diversity through curriculum choices, classroom activities, and lessons that expose students to various cultures.

Play is vital in early childhood education as it promotes social, emotional, and cognitive development. Share how you facilitate play-based learning in the classroom by integrating it into lessons and providing safe, engaging spaces for children to explore and learn.

Use a specific example of a challenging situation you've encountered with a student. Focus on how you approached the situation, the strategies you employed to resolve it, and the positive outcomes that emerged from your intervention.

Discuss ways you stay updated on trends and practices in early childhood education, such as attending workshops, pursuing further education, or joining professional organizations. Highlight your commitment to lifelong learning and how it benefits your role as a Teaching Assistant.

In your answer, convey your passion for early childhood education, and align it with the mission of Harlem Gems. Explain how the program's focus on academic excellence and cultural inclusivity resonates with your values and aspirations as an educator.