Instructional Assistant *One Semester

Overview

Instructional Assistant

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to contribute to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

• Assist and guide students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
• Work with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assist professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assist in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assist with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assist with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and keep students on task.
• Assist students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Accompany students on field trips for supervision support.
• Construct, copy, distribute and use educational materials as needed.
• Assist with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assist students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion and achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
• Participate in the IEP process and serve as a resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living to maximize their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follow all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• Occasionally support student behavior by engaging in appropriate restraining or seclusion techniques — only for the safety of the student.

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

• Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.
• May be required to use student support equipment for transport, etc.

Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

• Works in a public school environment.
• Must be capable of safely traversing all assigned areas of the school facility.
• Must be capable of safely lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
• Ability to physically assist students complying with emergency evacuation or lockdown procedures.
• May occasionally be required to support student behavior by engaging in appropriate restraint or seclusion techniques — for student safety only.

• Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.