About Decatur Public Schools & Workwarp – A Vision for Inclusive Education
Decatur Public Schools (DPS) is a forward‑thinking district dedicated to nurturing every student’s potential, especially those who need a supportive bridge between alternative placements and the mainstream classroom. Partnered with Workwarp, a leader in remote educational staffing, we are expanding our talent pool beyond geographic boundaries to attract passionate professionals who thrive in dynamic, student‑centered environments. Our mission is simple yet profound: to create safe, equitable, and emotionally intelligent learning spaces where every young person feels heard, respected, and empowered to succeed.
As an organization, DPS prides itself on a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and restorative practices. By leveraging remote expertise, we amplify the impact of our on‑site staff, ensuring that transition rooms—critical hubs for emotional regulation and behavioral growth—receive the highest level of care and instructional support. If you are a compassionate educator who believes that every student can overcome challenges with the right guidance, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference from the comfort of your home.
Position Overview – Remote Teaching Assistant, Transition Room
In this remote Teaching Assistant role, you will be a cornerstone of the Transition Room team, partnering with on‑site teachers, administrators, and families to facilitate smooth emotional and behavioral transitions for students moving between alternative placements and the general education setting. You will apply trauma‑informed strategies, restorative justice principles, and social‑emotional learning (SEL) techniques to help students regulate their emotions, de‑escalate conflicts, and re‑engage with learning activities.
Although the position is fully remote, you will maintain regular virtual communication with the building administration, attend online professional development sessions, and coordinate closely with on‑site staff to monitor student progress and implement individualized support plans.
Key Responsibilities & Daily Activities
- Student Supervision & Safety – Continuously monitor assigned students through video conferencing tools, ensuring a safe, non‑threatening environment that promotes well‑being and academic focus.
- Behavioral Intervention – Implement evidence‑based behavior management techniques, including de‑escalation scripts, calm‑down stations, and restorative circles, to address and resolve conflicts promptly.
- Emotional Regulation Coaching – Guide students in identifying feelings, practicing coping strategies (e.g., deep breathing, mindfulness), and developing personal self‑regulation plans.
- Family & Community Engagement – Foster strong relationships with parents, guardians, and community mentors through regular virtual check‑ins, progress reports, and collaborative goal‑setting.
- Data Collection & Documentation – Record detailed behavioral data, restitution activities, and progress metrics in the district’s digital system, providing actionable insights for teachers and administrators.
- Collaboration with On‑Site Staff – Participate in daily virtual huddles, share observations, and co‑create individualized support plans that align with each student’s academic and social needs.
- Professional Development Participation – Attend required online trainings focused on trauma‑informed practices, restorative justice, and SEL frameworks to stay current with best practices.
- Peer Mediation & Peace Circles – Design and facilitate virtual peace circles and peer mediation sessions, encouraging students to practice empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution.
- Transition Planning – Assist students in preparing for re‑entry into mainstream classrooms by reviewing schedules, clarifying expectations, and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Administrative Support – Provide timely feedback to teachers and administrators regarding student achievements, challenges, and recommended interventions.
Essential Qualifications – What You Must Bring
- Education – Minimum of an Associate’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field; a Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.
- Experience – At least 1–2 years of hands‑on experience working with middle‑ or high‑school students in a behavioral or SEL‑focused role.
- Behavior Management Expertise – Demonstrated ability to apply positive behavior support, de‑escalation techniques, and restorative practices in real‑time situations.
- Communication Skills – Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, with a talent for building rapport with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Technology Proficiency – Comfortable using video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet), learning management systems, and digital documentation tools.
- Reliability & Availability – Ability to start immediately and commit to a full‑time remote schedule, including occasional evening or weekend meetings as needed.
- Legal Requirements – Successful completion of background checks, fingerprinting, and any required state certifications for working with youth.
Preferred Qualifications – Extra Credit for Exceptional Candidates
- Certification in Trauma‑Informed Education, Restorative Justice, or Certified SEL Specialist.
- Experience in virtual or hybrid classroom settings, especially supporting students with special needs.
- Knowledge of Illinois state standards for special education and behavior intervention plans.
- Fluency in a second language (e.g., Spanish) to better serve diverse student populations.
- Previous experience working remotely in an educational support role.
Core Skills & Competencies for Success
- Empathy & Patience – Ability to remain calm, patient, and supportive while guiding students through challenging emotional moments.
- Analytical Thinking – Skill in interpreting behavioral data and translating insights into actionable intervention strategies.
- Collaborative Mindset – Strong team orientation, willing to share ideas, give constructive feedback, and celebrate collective wins.
- Adaptability – Flexibility to adjust approaches based on individual student needs, evolving policies, or emerging technologies.
- Conflict Resolution – Proficiency in facilitating restorative circles, peer mediation, and problem‑solving dialogues.
- Time Management – Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities—supervision, documentation, training—while meeting tight deadlines.
- Professionalism – Upholding confidentiality, ethical standards, and the district’s values in all interactions.
Work Environment, Culture & Values
Although you will be working from home, you become an integral part of DPS’s vibrant, inclusive community. Our district fosters a culture of:
- Innovation – Embracing technology and evidence‑based practices to enhance student outcomes.
- Equity – Ensuring that every student, regardless of background, receives supportive, culturally responsive instruction.
- Collaboration – Encouraging open dialogue among teachers, specialists, families, and community partners.
- Professional Growth – Providing pathways for continuing education, certifications, and leadership development.
- Well‑Being – Prioritizing staff mental health through wellness resources, flexible scheduling, and supportive supervision.
Our remote team members are invited to participate in monthly virtual “Coffee & Connect” sessions, district‑wide webinars, and peer‑learning circles to stay connected, share best practices, and celebrate successes.
Physical & Mental Demands – What the Role Entails
Physical Demands
While the position is remote, you will be expected to:
- Maintain an ergonomic workstation for extended periods of computer use.
- Occasionally lift or reposition office equipment up to 25 pounds when setting up your home office.
- Demonstrate attentive listening and visual acuity to interpret students’ facial expressions and tone of voice via video.
Mental Demands
The role requires continuous attention to multiple student interactions, rapid decision‑making during behavioral incidents, and the emotional resilience to support youths coping with trauma. You will need to:
- Stay calm under pressure, especially during high‑stress de‑escalation moments.
- Process and prioritize simultaneous information streams (e.g., student chat, live video, and documentation platforms).
- Maintain professional boundaries while offering compassionate support.
Professional Development, Career Path & Advancement Opportunities
Decatur Public Schools is committed to investing in its employees’ futures. As a Remote Teaching Assistant, you will have access to:
- Annual Tuition Reimbursement – Up to $5,000 for graduate coursework or certification programs related to special education, counseling, or SEL.
- Mentorship Programs – Pairing with experienced on‑site educators to deepen instructional expertise.
- Leadership Tracks – Opportunities to progress into roles such as Transition Coordinator, SEL Specialist, or Remote Instructional Coach.
- Conference Attendance – Funding to attend national conferences on trauma‑informed education, restorative justice, or technology integration.
- Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) – Virtual PLCs focused on data‑driven interventions, curriculum alignment, and student equity.
Compensation, Benefits & Perks – What We Offer
We understand that competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits are essential to attract top talent. While the exact salary will align with district guidelines and your experience, successful candidates can expect:
- Competitive Base Salary – Aligned with Illinois statewide education salary schedules for Teaching Assistants.
- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance – Employer‑contributed plans with multiple coverage options.
- Retirement Savings Plan – Access to a defined contribution 403(b) plan with district matching contributions.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) – Generous vacation, sick leave, and personal days, plus paid holidays aligned with the school calendar.
- Remote Work Stipend – Annual allowance for home office equipment, high‑speed internet, and ergonomic accessories.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Confidential counseling services for personal or professional challenges.
- Wellness Initiatives – Access to virtual fitness classes, mindfulness apps, and quarterly health challenges.
How to Apply – Join Our Mission Today
If you are driven, compassionate, and ready to make a measurable impact on students’ lives from anywhere in the country, we encourage you to submit your application immediately. The selection process includes a brief video interview, a scenario‑based assessment to gauge your restorative practice skills, and a reference check.
Application Steps:
- Visit the link below and click “Apply”.
- Upload your updated resume, a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience, and any certifications.
- Complete the short online questionnaire that helps us understand your approach to behavior management.
- Await a confirmation email with next‑step instructions.
Decatur Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer with a strong affirmative action plan. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workforce where every employee feels valued and respected.
Ready to shape the future of student success? Click the link below to start your application journey.
Apply Now
Apply Now