Dedicated Aid

ABOUT MERIDIAN PCS

Founded in 1999 by a group of dedicated volunteers, Meridian Public Charter School is one of Washington, DC’s oldest continuously operating public charter schools. Serving students in grades K–8, Meridian has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to educating the whole child through its academic approach - Language, Literacy, and the Arts.

Meridian operates across two campuses (Elementary and Middle) housed in historic buildings that reflect the school’s deep roots in the city. With our elementary campus located in the historic U Street Corridor of downtown Washington, DC, and our Middle School Campus located between the Petworth and Columbia Heights neighborhoods, Meridian's Campuses are both located in vibrant neighborhoods known for its rich cultural history, diverse dining options, and bustling small business community.

WHAT NEW STAFF CAN EXPECT

Meridian is deeply committed to attracting and retaining talented educators and professionals who believe in equity, growth, and impact. New staff join a collaborative, mission-driven environment where expectations are clear, support is intentional, and leadership is encouraged at every level.

Staff can expect:

● Competitive pay and benefits within the DC public charter landscape

● Ongoing professional development and instructional coaching

● A culture rooted in curiosity, resilience, and leadership

● Thoughtful onboarding and systems designed to support effectiveness and growth

A SCHOOL THAT STANDS OUT

What truly distinguishes Meridian among DC public charter schools is its ability to blend academic rigor, artistic expression, community connection, and educator investment within a historic and dynamic urban setting. Meridian is a place where students are known, staff are supported, families are valued, and learning is driven by purpose. Together, Meridian’s students, families, and staff form a vibrant learning community; committed to excellence, grounded in equity, and united by a shared belief in what’s possible when Arts, Language, and Literacy lead the way. Join us as we continue to take Meridian from good to great! For additional information about Meridian visit mpcs-dc.org. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

We are seeking a Dedicated Aid to join our Elementary School Campus for the 2026–27 school year. A dedicated aide works from 7:45 am - 3:45 pm during the regular academic year. The position may require occasional evening and/or weekend commitments outside of the regular school hours. Dedicated Aids at Meridian are responsible for the following:

• Support the creation of environments and instructional opportunities that meet the needs of diverse learners
• Assist students with participating in daily classroom lessons and routines
• Collaborate in the implementation of daily lesson plans by supporting students’ access to instructional material
• Use positive affect and communication techniques that are sensitive to student’s needs
• Administer tests, homework assignments, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting students
• Consistently implement behavioral and academic strategies as per students’ IEPs
• Communicate with teachers as may be required for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Maintain student records; assist teachers in regularly observing students and tracking student progress
• Provide assistance to the implementation of physical and occupational therapy, speech and language, vision and hearing support programs as needed for the student
• Assist students with gross and fine motor activities including personal hygiene, feeding and toileting
• Assist student with school meals (breakfast, lunch, snack), including carrying trays, organizing meal trays for students, and cleaning up meals
• Work with families to support the progress of assigned students
• Respond to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, students, etc.) in order to resolve issues, providing information and/or direction
• Actively monitor students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, cafeteria, playground, hallways, restrooms, field trips, etc.) to provide a safe and positive learning environment
• Attend student, grade level, content level, and school meetings as assigned by administration or designee
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Ideal candidates will have the following education and experience:

• High school degree or GED equivalent
• Trained in therapeutic restraint tactics
• Demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics
• Strong communication skills in order to ensure effective, positive interactions with teaching team, staff, parents and students
• Solution focused and goal oriented
• Energetic, reliable, and flexible
• Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative work environment
• Ability to maintain a patient and supportive relationship with assigned students required

SALARY AND BENEFITS

A recent TNTP Insight Survey of our teachers placed our staff’s satisfaction with compensation in the top quartile of all charter schools in DC. We also lead the charter sector in compensation transparency, and publish our salary scales for teachers here.

Meridian teachers and staff are compensated competitively for their time and have opportunities to earn additional income through leadership opportunities at the school level, offering extracurricular clubs and sports for students, and facilitating tutoring programs. Dedicated aides are 12-month full-time, non-exempt employees. Dedicated aides work 40 hours weekly with an hourly salary range from $17.50-$23 per hour, depending on level of education and years of experience.



HOW TO APPLY

Do you embody a love of learning? Do you believe in the importance of educating the whole child? Do you want to help Meridian continue to grow from good to great? Apply today!

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.



Meridian Public Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School's EEO policy prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Meridian PCS prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability. Under this policy, equal employment opportunity is required in recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment as required by applicable law.