Instructional Assistant​/Teaching Apprentice

Location: Cañon City

Start Date

August 11, for the  School Year

Position Type

Full-time, 164 days per year

Location

McKinley Elementary School

Salary

The pay for this position is determined by the Instructional Support Salary Schedule, based on years of experience and education. Starting wage is $17.51-$18.56

Benefits Include

Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, PERA retirement, paid time off, as well as other optional benefit elections. Longevity and professional development incentives.

Purpose of the Job

To provide instructional and classroom support under the direction of a lead teacher. This position is designed for individuals enrolled in an accredited teacher preparation program, currently in their 2nd or 3rd year of coursework. Instructional Assistants gain hands‑on experience while developing the skills needed for future certification and licensure. This position is a valuable step for aspiring educators who are preparing for a future teaching career.

Instructional Assistants in this role benefit from daily engagement with students and educators while continuing their academic journey toward licensure.

Education

• Must have a High School diploma or equivalency.

Requirements for Education

• Enrolled in an approved Colorado Department of Education educator preparation program (must be in 2nd or 3rd year of coursework)
• Western Colorado University Students Preferred
• Required Praxis Exams completed for licensure preferred

Experience

Experience working with children preferred and strong communication and social skills

Licenses/Certificates

Valid Colorado Substitute Authorization (required)

Other Criteria

• Criminal background check required for hire
• Ability to work cooperatively in a school atmosphere with staff members, students, and the public.
• Ability to effectively read, write, speak, and listen to comply with directions and instructions to complete tasks and establish priorities.
• Integrity, trust and work ethic to work with little supervision.
• Competent understanding of technology to perform the job.
• Must pass pre‑employment physical
• Ability to perform light lifting and moving of product (up to 50lbs)
• Physical strength and coordination to meet the educational, physical, and emotional needs of students assigned.
• Implements appropriate physical and technical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of district data
• Maintain good security practices with passwords and accounts for the various district systems and applications.
• Reports actual or suspected breaches in the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of district data to appropriate district personnel.
• Follows all board policies for acceptable use of district technology.
• Model the District's Mission and Belief Statements.

Essential Duties of the Job

• Support classroom instruction under the guidance of a certified teacher
• Work with individual students, small groups, or entire classes to reinforce learning
• Assist in managing classroom routines and expectations
• Help implement lesson plans and learning activities
• Supervise students in various settings (classroom, hallway, lunch, recess, etc.)
• Support students' academic, behavioral, and social‑emotional needs
• Attend trainings and meetings as required
• Maintain student confidentiality and support a positive learning environment
• May be asked to assist with substitute coverage if qualified and licensed
• Other duties as assigned

Additional Duties for Preschool Paraprofessionals

• Must attend all preschool‑required training.

Skills, Knowledge, Equipment & Other

• Operate instructional and office equipment
• Use of educational technology (e.g., Google Workspace, tablets, interactive displays)
• Understanding of classroom and behavior management strategies

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

Requirements for Essential Functions of the Job

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, feel, or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds…