25/26 ESL Teacher Assistant

The Opportunity: PLA ESL Teacher Assistants are passionate and devoted assistants bringing creativity and rigor to our classrooms to support an improved learning experience for our scholars.   Our ESL Teacher Assistants are compassionate and committed to building a caring environment that nurtures the success of our school community. As an ESL Teacher Assistant at Phalen Leadership Academies, you will work with individual and/or small groups of scholars under the supervision of a certified teacher. You will do this by following educational and behavioral plans and modeling appropriate behaviors and interactions with students and staff. During non-classroom time, you will function in other support capacities (learning labs, hallway monitoring, lunch duty, etc.) and then implement the academic curriculum during designated blocks of time. 

The Details

Key Deliverables:

• Assist certified teachers with the implementation of differentiation plans for small groups
• Provide instruction and support for classroom teachers and/or one-on-one tutoring for eligible students
• Provide instructional support in the library, media center, and/or cafeteria
• Perform administrative tasks such as filing, answering the phone, etc.
• Contribute feedback and data on scholar progress, behavior, and performance
• Assist with supervision of scholars in the lunchroom and on the playground
• Work in collaboration with teachers and administrators

Experience and Education Requirements:

• Bilingual in English and Creole
• A passion for working with students and families in under-served communities
• High school diploma or its equivalent
• Analytical ability to plan individual and group activities that stimulate growth in scholars
• Prior experience with small group instruction, preferred
• Interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain effective relationships with scholars, parents/guardians, and other staff members

The Network: PLA is a transformative education nonprofit changing communities across the country by providing a depth of resources not found in the traditional education model.  In addition to serving as one of the country’s best turnaround school operators and successfully launching charter school start-ups, PLA also provides our school communities with a successful, research-based summer learning program (Summer Advantage), a successful Reading and Math Intervention program (Reading and Math Advantage), and a workforce development program (Skilled US) that provides expanded opportunities for our high school graduates, along with the family members of our current staff and students. This menu of programs and services is unique to our network, sets us apart from other organizations, and provides expanded opportunities for our staff through career advancement opportunities and expanded income opportunities.  

The Campus: Phalen Leadership Academy was founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2013. We are currently serving scholars, K through 12th grade. Our institution carries the core values of Children First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude. PLA is an A-rated school providing rigorous and well-rounded learning experiences for our scholars. Phalen Leadership Academy is a comprehensive school with the mission of serving the needs of a very diverse population. This diversity is one of the qualities that makes PLA a great environment for learning. The PLA educational model utilizes best practices in data-driven instruction and differentiated learning to deliver instruction in core subjects, creating a uniquely rigorous and personalized learning experience for every child. This data-driven model, utilizing rigorous curricula, small-group instruction, and one-to-one intervention, has been the core engine for raising the academic achievement of our scholars. Our ultimate vision is that our scholars master key academic skills and demonstrate strong character, as exhibited by: honesty, service to others, a superior work ethic, and a strong vision for and belief in their futures. We believe that with the right education, all children can ​fulfill their ​tremendous ​innate potential​.

Compensation and Benefits:

PLA ESL Aides receive a salary that is competitively aligned with the market. In addition to  salary, PLA School Teacher Assistants receive: 

• Competitive Compensation
• Benefits – Healthcare, vision, and dental insurance
• Professional development opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and being a part of professional communities within the school
• Incentive and bonus opportunities 

PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. 

Please read carefully.

Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer. PLA does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.