Instructional Assistant (Sped)

Yellowstone Schools

Reports to:         Director of Special Populations

 

Qualifications:   

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Associate degree or at least 48 hours of college credits required.
• Experience working with children in an educational setting

 

Organization Overview

Founded in 2001 and rooted in the Christian faith, Yellowstone Schools collectively educates 600 children in Pre-K through 9th grade and will grow a grade each year to serve 12th grade by 2026. Yellowstone partners with students and families—regardless of financial means—to provide a life-changing education, develop a strong moral foundation, and prepare scholars for life beyond high school. The K12 campus is located in the Third Ward, one of Houston's oldest historically Black neighborhoods. 

Most students served live in communities without access to strong educational opportunities. With an average class size of 16 to 18, our students experience a rich academic and co-curricular model while receiving bus transportation, two meals a day, and access to a comprehensive student support program.

Yellowstone Schools consists of a cooperative of two school systems: a lower school (a private Christian school serving PreK-5th grade) and an upper school (a tuition-free, public charter school growing to serve 6th-12th grade).  The lower school and upper school are distinct legal and financial entities with separate governing boards. The name Yellowstone Schools reflects each school system’s shared mission, vision, values, culture, and leadership. Each school complies with all applicable federal and state laws.

 

Primary Responsibilities

• Assisting the lead teacher with all elements of daily instruction in the classroom
• Assisting with classroom management and behavior/discipline for the whole class, small groups of students, and individual student redirection
• Assisting with the observation and evaluation of student’s academic and social/emotional growth and development
• Assisting with the planning of lessons and preparation of classroom materials, activities, and centers (including making copies)
• Assisting with movement to and from the classroom, including restroom breaks, time with specialists, recess, meals in the cafeteria, and other related activities
• Monitoring and assisting in the cafeteria during meals
• Assist with, plan, and facilitate intervention instruction as determined by the academic team
• As needed and assigned, serve as the lead instructor or assistant for ancillary classes or other “specialist” blocks
• As needed and assigned, serve as the substitute instructor for content classes
• Assist with morning and/or afternoon arrival and dismissal duty
• Perform other duties as required and assigned

 

Professional Growth and Development

• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with state and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Attend and actively participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as needed.
• Participate in an instructional culture that values feedback, seeks out growth opportunities, fosters innovation, and always puts student achievement first.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned.

 

Yellowstone Values

Every employee at Yellowstone is committed to our PRIDE values:
 

Positivity: At Yellowstone, we smile first. We are a positive presence on campus and extend a good-natured grace and enthusiasm in all personal interactions.

Responsibility: We follow through on our promises and commitments. We own our actions and will never settle for less than our best effort.  

Integrity: We demonstrate integrity in all circumstances and always put the best interests of the Yellowstone community first. We “walk the talk” and lead by example.   

Determination: We anticipate and overcome challenges. We are resilient in the face of obstacles and are committed to the success of every member of the Yellowstone community.  

Excellence: We hold everyone (families, students, colleagues) to the highest standard of excellence and constantly look for ways to enhance the Yellowstone experience.

 

 

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Yellowstone Academy offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical (HSA option), dental, and vision insurance, a SIMPLE IRA program with employer matching, supplemental life and short-term disability insurance, and PTO, and wellness day. 

 

Yellowstone Academy is a non-denominational Christian school, and all employees must be professing Christians.  Yellowstone Academy does not refuse to hire and does not release any individual, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of the individual’s race, color, sex, or national or ethnic origin.  Nor does Yellowstone Academy limit, segregate, or classify its employees or applicants for employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status as an employee because of the individual’s race, color, sex, and/or national/ethnic origin.