Student Support Aide (1:1 Paraprofessional) | Elementary School | BTWA ES

Position Title: Student Support Aide (1:1 Paraprofessional)

Location: New Haven, CT

Reports To: School Principal

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Start Date: Immediate Opening/Hire

Salary Range: $17-20 / hour, commensurate with experience

About Booker T. Washington Academy

Booker T. Washington Academies (BTWA) in New Haven, CT, serves K–4 scholars at its Elementary campus and grades 5–8 at its Middle School campus. Founded in 2014 around Booker T. Washington’s credo—“Excellence is doing common things in uncommon ways”—BTWA balances a rigorous academic program with the cultivation of morals, character, self-discipline, responsibility for one’s actions, lifestyle, work ethic, and educational uplift.

Scholars develop proficiency in reading, writing, critical thinking, discussion, and problem-solving to meet college and career goals, while embracing and demonstrating the morals, character, self-discipline, and work ethic to be leaders in life and community.

Recognized as a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2018 (Category 1) and again in 2024 (Category 2)—the only New Haven public school honored that year—BTWA equips graduates to work hard, harness the power of education, elevate themselves, and give back to their communities in a transformational way.

For more information about Booker T. Washington Academy, please visit www.btwanewhaven.org

About the Opportunity

Booker T. Washington Academy Elementary School seeks a passionate and dynamic Student Support Aide to partner with an individual student and provide dedicated, one-one-one, support in an elementary school setting. This position is integral in ensuring that the student receives individualized care and support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

This role offers a unique chance to:

• Observe a variety of teaching styles and grade-level teams

• Provide targeted intervention and supports along alongside veteran teachers

• Build relationships with scholar and family through both instructional, behavioral and social-emotional support

• Deepen expertise in restorative practices and culturally responsive pedagogy in a high-need urban setting

• Grow as an educator and pursue a potential career in education through our various part-time to full-time and/or Resident Teacher Pathway Program (if eligible).

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Key Responsibilities of the Role

As a Student Support Aide at BTWA ES, you will be primarily responsible for:

Student Support:

• Assist the assigned student with daily classroom activities, including academic tasks, social interactions, transitions, and behavioral management.

• Implement individualized support plans and/or behavior intervention plans as outlined by the student’s support team (e.g. teachers, administration, family and members of the team's extended support staff)

• Provide one-on-one instructional and behavioral/social-emotional supports tailored to the student's unique learning needs and goals.

Classroom Assistance:

• Work closely with the classroom teacher, and support staff, to assist classroom activities and adapt materials as needed to facilitate the student’s participation.

• Help manage the student's classroom behavior and reinforce positive and proactive behavior strategies.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Maintain regular communication with teachers, administration, support staff, and the student’s family to provide updates on progress and address any concerns in a positive, productive and solutions-oriented manner.

• Participate in team meetings to review and adjust the student’s individualized goal and support plans, and discuss strategies for improvement.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Keep accurate records of the student’s progress and behavior.

• Document and report any significant changes or incidents to appropriate staff members.

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Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with elementary scholars, preferably in urban or high-need environments

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build a positive rapport with students, parents, and staff.

• Patience, empathy, adaptability and a strong commitment to supporting the student’s individual needs.

• Good organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to adapt to various instructional and/or behavioral support techniques and strategies as needed

• Excellent verbal, written, and restorative communication skills

• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and professional demeanor

Preferred Qualifications

• Higher education degree (e.g. Associate's, Bachelor's) completed or in progress from an accredited institution

• Interest in pursuing a career in teaching via our Resident Teacher Pathway Program

• Previous experience working with children (especially in a long-term substitute, behavioral interventionist or paraprofessional position) is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with restorative justice practices and culturally responsive pedagogy

• Experience differentiating instruction for diverse learners, including ELs and students with IEPs

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Mindsets We Value

Our team is passionately committed to the vision and values of Elevate Charter Schools and Edmonds Cofield Preparatory Academy for Young Men The ideal candidate will have a positive mindset, a very strong work ethic, an inner drive for excellence and will thrive working in an entrepreneurial and results-driven environment

Additionally, we deeply value, and are actively seeking candidates who demonstrate, the following mindsets and beliefs:

• Mission-Driven: In addition to deeply aligning and embodying the mission and values of ECS and ECP, you believe in the brilliance and promise of all students, particularly young men and young men of color, and want to be part of their success story.

• Growth-Oriented: You welcome feedback, are deeply reflective on your personal practices, and are constantly seeking to improve your craft.

• Entrepreneurial: You are flexible, solutions-focused, and energized by the opportunity to build something from the ground up.

• Collaborative: You thrive in a team-based culture and believe that collective effort drives school success.

• Commitment to Excellence: You hold yourself, and others, to the highest of standards and have a student-centric, “whatever it takes” mentality to create a learning community where all students and stakeholders can grow and thrive.

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Compensation and Benefits

At Elevate Charter Schools, we are committed to ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on the skills and qualifications required for the role. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role.

The wage range for the Student Support Aide Position is $17.00 to $20.00 per hour commensurate with experience and qualification, and reflective of the responsibilities and expertise needed to succeed in this position. Final salary may be adjusted based on experience and qualifications.

In addition to competitive compensation, Elevate offers a range of comprehensive benefits packages to all regular, full-time employees at a competitive value.

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Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical activities with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Mobility: Ability to move around the school building and classrooms, attend meetings, and participate in professional development activities.

• Vision: Clear vision to engage with students and stakeholders in a variety of settings and to monitor classrooms/school environments for student safety and well-being.

• Hearing: Ability to hear conversations and presentations in various settings.

• Communication: Clear speech to effectively communicate with teachers, staff, administrators, and families/caregivers.

• Occasional Physical Demands: Ability to lift and carry light materials (such as books and documents), bend or reach to access files or materials, and stand for extended periods during meetings or presentations.

• Stamina: Ability to lead instruction across the school day with sustained energy and focus.

Elevate Charter Schools is committed to providing a supportive work environment and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role

Elevate Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Elevate is a non‑profit charter management organization serving public charter schools in Connecticut’s urban communities. Our scholars are 99% Black and Brown, and Elevate deeply values inclusion, representation, and diversity across our staff.

Elevate Charter Schools is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all stakeholders. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, especially those who share a similar background to the communities we serve.

If you have questions about the application process, experience any challenges, or need support completing your application, please reach out to our talent team at talent@elevatecharters.org. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and welcoming experience for all candidates.