Classroom Support Specialist

Classroom Support Specialist - 10-Month Position

Bridges is seeking an enthusiastic Full-Time Support Specialist to be responsible for supporting and managing multiple classroom environments in a day, and promoting student learning in the absence of the classroom teacher. This 10-month role requires adaptability, effective communication, and a commitment to maintaining a positive educational environment.

Our mission is to provide an exemplary educational program that includes all students. Our developmentally appropriate, student and family-centered educational approach nurtures students to expand their developmental skills in order to build a foundation for lifelong learning. Our Core Values are:

• Responsibility
• Engagement
• Acceptance
• Creativity
• Honesty

We are seeking passionate educators to build an inclusive PK-5 school community. We are seeking committed individuals to provide high-quality and innovative instruction to a diverse student community. We are seeking individuals who recognize that they are in a position of public trust and are held to a high standard of personal and professional conduct. If you are a dedicated educator who is passionate about creating a culture of inclusion and respect, we invite you to join our team. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and build a brighter future for our community.

A Bridges "Graduate"

• Is a unique and independent individual who is prepared to pave their own path.
• Self-advocates through their preferred communication modalities.
• Welcomes diversity with inclusion, openness, acceptance, and respect for others.
• Demonstrates empathy and a desire to help and support others in need.
• Perseveres in the face of challenges to meet their individual academic, social, and extracurricular goals.
• Is prepared for the next steps after leaving Bridges Public Charter School.

As a Full-time Support Specialist, you will be responsible for…

• Supporting multiple classrooms with a positive, safe, and inclusive environment.
• Utilizing effective teaching strategies to engage students in learning activities.
• Incorporating effective classroom management techniques, including strategies aligned to CPI training, to promote student engagement and discipline.
• Supervising students during classroom activities, transitions, lunch, and recess as assigned.
• Ensuring the safety and well-being of students at all times.
• Communicating effectively with students, staff, and administrators.
• Providing feedback to the team regarding student performance and behavior.
• Demonstrating professionalism in all interactions with students, staff, and parents.
• Maintaining confidentiality of student information per school policies and legal requirements.
• Contributing productively to the school as a whole.
• Attending and participating in school events outside of regular school hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

Professional Responsibilities

• Adhering to the 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. work day.
• Regularly attends work and adheres to all attendance policies and procedures.
• Be on time for classes, duties, team meetings, and professional development activities.
• Communicate absences in advance with the Principal.
• Participate in the two weeks of August Summer Professional Development, before students return.
• Respond to all emails within 24 hours or the next business day and adhere to all deadlines.
• Other professional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience at Bridges for at least 2 years, caring for and educating students with diverse needs.
• Crisis Prevention Institution (CPI) training.
• CPR training preferred.
• Prior teaching or substitute experience in elementary, at varying grade levels.
• Track record of being a team player and community-minded.
• Demonstrate strong skills in partnering with families.
• Committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Be committed to their own learning.
• Excellent time-management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
• Have a passion for urban public schools.
• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Being bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus.

Salary range is $33,000.00 - $43,500.00. Salary is based on educational level, certification(s), and years of experience. The successful candidate will be contracted yearly. Employment will be renewed according to evaluations and staff interest. Child care and health savings plans, pre-tax deduction for Metro, bike racks, and regular staff engagement and wellness activities. Staff lounge and lactation room for nursing mothers. Health benefits (medical & dental), disability insurance, and a retirement plan: 401(k) with a 4% match or the continuation of the DCPS retirement plan. To ensure safety for all students, all staff members may be fingerprinted. Background checks will be conducted on all school staff prior to their service as employees.