Teacher Assistants
Teacher assistants, or paraprofessionals, provide instructional and other direct services to students under the supervision and direction of the classroom teacher or other certified professional staff.
TEACHER ASSISTANT REQUIREMENTS
- Information taken from RIDE website.
- Proficiency in English (spoken and written)
- Be of good character;
- Have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma;
- Complete a Teacher Assistant Pre-Employment Training Program approved by the RI Department of Education (RIDE). Or have a certification as a TA in another state,
- Meet one (1) of the following requirements:
- Passing score of 461 or higher on the ParaPro 1755 Assessment. OR
- Completed a minimum of 48 college credits OR
- Obtain an associates or higher degree.
Already meet the requirements? Apply to available TA positions on PPSD's hiring site here!
PPSD TEACHER ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
The PPSD Teacher Assistant Certification Program provides training for qualified individuals who are interested in a full-time teacher assistant position in a high-need TA role in PPSD (special education, exceptional child services/autism, 1:1 support, child support assistants, behavior support assistants). Topics are consistent with state standards and include: roles and responsibilities of the teacher assistant, special education, policies and procedures, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, effective communication, conflict resolution, instructional support, data collection, technology, behavior management, social emotional learning, CPI training, health and safety, and mandatory reporting.
Participants will be awarded a certificate recognized by RIDE upon successful completion of all classes, assignments, field experience, and exams.
Each cohort will consist of a maximum of 25 participants.
This program is currently exclusively for individuals with experience supporting students with disabilities who have unique and intensive academic and/or behavioral needs OR individuals with an active CNA license who have experience supporting students.
Participants must be willing to work in PPSD for a one-year minimum.
Program acceptance is by interview only to ensure candidates have the skills to succeed.
COST
FREE with a commitment to 1 year at PPSD! There is a check deposit of $150.00 per candidate which will be returned upon successful program completion and hire. Note that if the candidate does not accept a TA role with PPSD, the $150 deposit will be forfeited.
SCHEDULE
Location: TBD- shared with accepted applicants
Schedule: 5:00-7:30 PM
Dates: April 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16
The program will consist of 6 classes that take place over a 2-week period with additional required hours for one, in-school observation.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Apply & Interview – Highlight your experience in 1:1 support and/or supporting individuals with disabilities.
2. Submit $150 Deposit – Refunded after successful course completion and hire in PPSD.
3. Complete 6 Mandatory Classes – Attend all in-person sessions and pass the course
4. Employment with PPSD – PPSD facilitates school interviews and hiring.
BENEFITS
TA Special Education Salary: Hourly pay begins at $20.71
TA Child Support Assistant (CNA licensed): Hourly pay begins at $25.17
Full-time role; medical/dental/vision coverage; retirement benefits
ELIGIBILITY
- Associates Degree -or- 48 College Credits -or- a passing score of 461 on the ParaPro 1755 Test
- BCI federal background check
- U.S. work authorization