Classroom Assistant

Program Description

The YMCA Academy is an alternative school for students grade 7 through 12 who learn differently. The school, inspired by the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s mission, vision, and values, is the ideal learning environment for high school students with learning disabilities, attention issues, anxiety, and/or mild diagnoses on the autism spectrum — as well as students without a formally identified exceptionality who are seeking a more supportive school experience.

Major Duties May Include

1. Assisting classroom teacher with delivery of provincially approved curriculum during regular classroom hours.
2. Providing individual and small-group learning support to students with learning style differences 
3. (including learning disabilities, anxiety, the autism spectrum, and other exceptionalities).
4. Assisting teachers and staff in supporting students on field trips.
5. Supporting teaching staff with duties as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18. 
• Successful applicants to this role will need to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening from their local police service before their first day of volunteering and every three years on the anniversary of their first day of volunteering. 
• Knowledge of the Ontario High School Curriculum.
• Strong communication skills. 
• Assets for applicants:
• Certified teachers, retired teachers, qualified Educational Assistants, or others with teaching experience. 
• Experienced working with students with learning or developmental disabilities.  
• Experienced in working one-to-one with high school students. 

Benefits 

• Make a difference in a student’s life by using your skills and experience to help them achieve their goals. 
• Develop your interpersonal and communication skills in a dynamic educational setting.  
• Gain valuable Ontario classroom experience. 
• Learn about diversity at the YMCA and meet new people from all walks of life.
• Be a part of the YMCA team and promote the YMCA Mission, Vision and Values.

How to apply

Complete the online volunteer application. You will need to provide the position title and location information of this position during step 3 of the application.

Looking for a Different Role?

Check out the full list of our volunteer opportunities.

Why Volunteer for the Y?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto aspires to be a great place to volunteer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. Guided by our shared values — kindness, well-being, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism — the YMCA provides thousands of volunteers with meaningful positions and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities.

Our Commitments

The YMCA of Greater Toronto values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association.

We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

About YMCA of Greater Toronto

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. As outlined in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In the future we see for our region, everyone will have opportunities to shine their brightest.

Mirroring the diversity we’re privileged to have in the GTA, our YMCA offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of our communities. For 170 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. When you donate to the YMCA of Greater Toronto, you help ensure more people get access to these vital programs that help them connect, grow, and reach their full potential.