About Upbring 

At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.

About our Children's Shelters

Many children begin life in the face of serious challenges. Instead of playing pretend and imagining grand adventures, unaccompanied children face perilous conditions alone as they travel to unfamiliar countries, leaving home and loved ones behind to escape war and violence. Our children’s centers, operated through a grant from the Office of Refugee and Resettlement (ORR), provide safety, stability and wraparound services. We help children grow into adults who have received love and kindness, instead of only violence and chaos.

What You'll Do As A Lead Teacher's Aide

The Lead Teacher Aide is responsible for the planning, implementation, and administration of curriculum that is developed and facilitated to a classroom of students for advancing their physical and cognitive growth and development in accordance with Casa Gracia NC, TEA Regulations, and other federal, state, CARF and local regulatory requirements. The Lead Teacher Aide works closely with the Program Director and Casa Gracia NC to ensure the campus has adequate staff to meet the needs of the UC and may assist with program operations. The Lead Teacher Aide is directly responsible for the supervision or management of Teacher Aides’ responsibilities and duties.

Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders in the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.

All Upbring Children's Shelters employees must comply with ORR's vaccination mandate. 

All staff must be able to show proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route if working directly with unaccompanied children (UC). Medical and Religious exemptions may be requested after an offer of employment is accepted. 

We Are Warriors | We Set the Standards for Child Welfare

Lead Teacher's Aide Work Standards 

• Plan and implement daily developmental learning models for students to meet individual learning styles and pace of learning
• Ensure UC are properly supervised and take appropriate safety precautions for the well-being of all UC
• Create, foster, and maintain a physical environment that is conducive to learning and optimal growth and development; promote social interaction with all UC
• Plan and implement classroom activities based on individual needs of UC and goals set forth
• Observe and address challenging behaviors and redirect them to a more positive behavior
• Establish and follow policies and procedures for indoor and outdoor classroom environments for UC to follow
• Maintain classroom management and discipline using developmentally appropriate techniques
• Oversee and supervise the teacher aides and perform managerial duties in the education area
• Provide constant supervision of UC during indoor and outdoor activities and provide and foster a safe and secure environment
• Follow all classroom, Agency, and CGNC standards and assist with the appropriate enforcement of established rules, regulations, and guidelines
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Communication

• Document developmental progress and challenges through testing
• Complete and prepare teaching materials and related reports, such as but not limited to classroom activities, individual UC observations, and program records for documenting child’s progress as prescribed in the work plan
• Complete and maintain accurate documentation, files, and records as required by Upbring and Casa Gracia NC
• Prepare quality well-written documents, reports, and correspondence

Fiscal Management

• Manage and control resources and materials to ensure quality, adequacy of supply (inventory), and cost control within budgetary allowances
• Maintain accurate records of expenditures and operating costs to determine effective cost control
• Review, approve, and submit procurement receipts according to Agency guidelines and established deadlines

Teamwork

• Assist with the implementation of the teacher-prepared lesson and Positive Behavior Intervention plans
• Assist with the individual and group instruction of the UC, as assigned by the teacher
• Work closely with the classroom teacher in building on each UC strengths and supporting school readiness goals and social competence
• Assist with the planning and implementation of daily developmental learning models for school-aged UC for the purpose of meeting individual learning styles, and pace of learning
• Assist with the selection of learning material and equipment and arrange the classroom to provide a well-managed, welcoming environment conducive to learning
• Work closely with the classroom teacher to design and implement the curriculum using supporting materials that address the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of UC
• Assist the classroom teacher in managing the classroom in a manner that creates a stimulating and nurturing environment for the growth, well-being, and development of the UC; assist with the supervision of UC and keeping the classroom neat and orderly
• Assist with the planning of daily activities in partnership with other teachers to meet instruction and developmental goals, individualized instruction, and component integration
• Respond to emergency situations and/or direct to appropriate management team member or program administration for immediate resolution
• Work closely with other classroom teachers and Lead Teacher Aids to ensure program operations are supporting and meeting program goals and objectives and learning outcomes
• Cover shifts, provide support and respond to needs as they arise
• Assist with the collaborative efforts and activities with the interdisciplinary team to ensure all UC are receiving the quality of services needed to meet their individual service and behavior plans

We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

• Plan daily activities in partnership with Casa Gracia NC Teachers and Teacher Aides to meet instruction and developmental goals, individualized instruction, and component integration
• Work closely with Casa Gracia NC and Upbring Youth Care Worker to ensure the safety and well-being of UC and staff; monitor program environment to ensure the program is safe and free from hazards to the UC and staff
• Build and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, program staff, inter-disciplinary teams, volunteers, and service providers to ensure the needs of the child and program goals and services are being met at the highest quality
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with classroom teachers, administrative staff, and UC to ensure the UC are receiving a quality learning experience
• Work as a team player and exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude with both internal and external clients that reflects positively on the Agency and is consistent with Agency policies and practices
• Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with UC, staff, and the community

Developing & Engaging Others

• Coach and support staff to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources needed to optimize performance, ensure established program goals, and achieve operational excellence
• Communicate with direct reports in periodic one-on-one meetings
• Organize and deliver regularly scheduled staff meetings to communicate present, on-going, and future updates of pertinent information, projects, and initiatives
• Work closely with management team to interview, hire, and onboard new employees who are strong cultural fits for Upbring
• Work in collaboration with leadership and the Organizational Development and Culture Team to arrange training; when needed, coordinate and/or provide in-service training for staff development

We Are Servants | We Help Others

Adaptability

• Respond to emergency situations and/or direct to appropriate management team member or program administration for immediate resolution
• Cover shifts, provide support and respond to needs as they arise

Teamwork

• Plan daily activities in partnership with Trinity Teachers and Teacher Aides to meet instruction and developmental goals, individualized instruction, and component integration
• Work closely with Trinity Charter School and Upbring Youth Care Worker to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff; monitor program environment to ensure the program is safe and free from hazards to the children and staff
• Assist with the collaborative efforts and activities with the interdisciplinary team to ensure all children are receiving the quality of services needed to meet their individual service and behavior plans

Lead Teacher's Aide Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Social Work, Education or related field OR completion of two years of study at an institution of higher education OR Completion of 48 semester hours of college coursework in a related field
• 1-year experience as a teacher, teacher’s aide, or in an educational setting
• 1-year supervisory experience directing, managing, and leading at least two direct reports
• Demonstrated ability to assist teacher development and implement curriculum
• Demonstrated ability to manage the classroom and work well under pressure
• Ability to build a positive rapport with UC, team members, staff, and key stakeholders
• Strong computer skills; high proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally, and interact with all levels of management in a clear and concise manner
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing tasks, requests, and projects and meet deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team with limited supervision; ability to take initiative

Lead Teacher's Aide Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, or related field
• 3 years’ experience as a teacher, teacher’s aide, or educational setting
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) with the ability to fluently converse and write in Spanish (based on student population and service area), highly preferred

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more! 
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 24/7 access to telemedicine and counseling services 
• Discounted Gym Memberships 
• Donated Leave Program 

Physical Demands & Work Conditions for a Lead Teacher's Aide

• This position will require bending, kneeling, twisting, and reaching, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time, frequent walking.
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to UC
• This position will be subject to loud noise and the outdoors.
• Lift, push, pull, and move up to 50 lbs.

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging  

We are a diverse and inclusive organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best to fulfill our mission to break the cycle of child abuse. 

Upbring is an at-will employer. An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/protected veteran status.

Keywords: teacher, teacher aide, education, early childhood, teaching assistant, manager, supervisor