A Northern Michigan school district says they have an unusually high number of job openings, and they’re eager to get some new applicants. Northwest Education Services – formerly the TBAISD in Traverse City, is looking to fill more than two dozen teaching assistant positions.
Susan Broad has spent three decades as a Teaching Assistant at the Life Skills Center in Traverse City. “A lot of people dread going to work but I’ve never had that. I look forward to going to work every day.” And Northwest Education Services needs more people like Susan to show up every day.
Director of Human Resources Emily Quinn says, “We’re looking for people who care about students, who care about kids. We’re looking for people who have compassion and want to help students be able to learn and be independent in their lives.”
Most of the positions are in classrooms working with students with disabilities of all kinds. “These positions give people the opportunity to work with students who have possible disabilities. Medical disabilities, physical disabilities. Emotional, behavioral, social disabilities. And these people have the opportunity to work with them and help them with their education and progression towards learning new skills and becoming independent,” Quinn says. “We have a center based program for students who have autism. We have a program for students who need more assistance with social and emotional health, we have a program for students who have severe medical impairments, as well as a program for students who are adults – our Life Skills Center.”
It’s been a rewarding career choice for Broad. “Just seeing the progress that the students make. They’re happy every day. It’s the happiest job you could have. I’ve been here 30 years and when I retire I’m coming back to sub. I love it.”
The district says they are offering higher pay than they did last year plus a full benefits package. And they say one of the biggest perks is the schedule. Quinn says, “You have a school schedule, so for families or people who might have families or school-age children themselves. These are positions that allow for great hours.” Broad says that should appeal to many potential applicants. “It’s very rewarding, the benefits are very good here. You get summers off here if you want summers off. If you don’t, there’s jobs available to take. If you’re a parent you have the same school hours as your children.”
Quinn adds, that means snow days, holidays, nights and weekends too – in addition to the benefits package. “I think our pay is competitive and our benefits are outstanding. I think we are second to none.”
At first glance it might seem like applicants need a background in education or previous experience working with students. But the district says these are entry-level positions and all are encouraged to apply.
For more information on the open positions, .
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