2026-2027 General Education Assistant

Purpose of Class

The purpose of this classification is to provide teaching assistance in classrooms or as otherwise needed, which may include assisting teachers with classroom projects/activities, providing classroom coverage for teachers, providing tutoring to students, monitoring student activities in cafeteria and common areas, performing clerical work, or providing other assistance.

Essential Functions

• Assists teachers in classroom or other educational setting; oversees, monitors, or conducts classes during the temporary absence of teachers; assists teachers in setting up and conducting various class activities and projects; works with and assists students during class activities and projects; prepares instructional materials for classroom use; copies materials for use by teachers; sets up audio/visual equipment for viewing of films/videos; assists in administering and grading tests; assists in evaluating student performance and skill levels; creates bulletin boards, displays, or wall decorations; and assists with cleanup activities.
• Provides tutoring or one-on-one assistance to students in basic educational skills; assists students with word study, spelling, sentence writing, reading, math, science, physical education, or other areas; utilizes computerized instruction programs and selects appropriate reading levels; instructs students in individual sports or exercising techniques as appropriate; assists with development of lesson plans.
• Maintains order in cafeteria, auditorium, halls, bus zones, or other common areas; organizes groups of students upon arrival/departure; seats students in appropriate areas; assists in cleaning tables or spills; chaperones students during field trips.
• Maintains discipline among students; mediates disputes between students; handles situations involving excessive noise, disruptive behavior, or other problems; initiates disciplinary action per prescribed policies; monitors students in an isolated environment during detention.
• Performs clerical tasks in support of teaching activities, office operations, or other school functions; answers telephone calls, provides information, or records messages; enters and retrieves various data into student records manually or via computer system; transfers student records to/from other schools; generates various reports; copies, laminates and/or assembles various documentation; mails letters to notify parents of meetings; organizes/distributes materials for school pictures, school sales, or other projects; sends/receives faxes; sorts/distributes mail; orders supplies for office or school bookstore; assists with routine tasks in the library or other school functions.
• Performs miscellaneous tasks as needed; checks students for possible illness; administers basic first aid to sick/injured students; contacts parents regarding sick children, student detentions/suspensions, needed supplies, or other issues; makes announcements over public announcement system; assists parents with dismissal of children from school.
• Prepares and receives various documents pertaining to student instruction and school operations, including forms, reports, correspondence, logs, lesson plans, progress reports, charts, instructional materials, policies and procedures manuals, reference material, enrollment records, attendance records, or other documents; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, academic instruction, or other programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner; coordinates service/repair activities as needed.
• Operates various equipment and tools associated with projects and work activities, which may include a printer, fax machine, copy machine, laminator, paper cutter, die cut machine, television, VCR, filmstrip projector, tape recorders, public announcement system, intercom, telephone, calculator, fans, heaters, sports paraphernalia, or art supplies.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, school officials, teachers, students, parents, vendors, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Attends staff meetings, PTA meetings, parent meetings, M-Team meetings, or other meetings as needed.

Additional Functions

• Certain duties may involve working in the computer reading lab, where the assistant monitors, assists, and instructs students with the operation of computers and reading assistance software applications. They also develop lesson plans in conjunction with the reading program, troubleshoot and resolve routine computer problems, and monitor student conduct to ensure discipline and orderly behavior.
• Instructional assistants may work with students in instructional activities; however, assistants must at all times be under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher.
• Instructional assistants may administer and score tests including, but not limited to, screening instruments, placement tests, mastery learning tests, and achievement tests, which do not require professional training and expertise. Assistants should be trained in proper testing procedure and should at all times be under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher or other trained professional.
• Instructional assistants may assist teachers in establishing and maintaining a learning environment that is conducive to academic progress. Assistants should be knowledgeable of classroom rules and procedures and should be trained in the utilization of techniques which promote time on task and appropriate classroom behavior. Assistants shall follow the same discipline plan of the school and shall administer consequences (both positive and negative) only as directed by the classroom teacher or building principal.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Education equivalent to graduation from a state approved high school is the minimum requirement. Previous work experience related to clerical, supervisory, and instructional responsibilities outlined above should be considered.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Good knowledge of standard English, including the ability to speak and write clearly. Skilled in completing various forms neatly and accurately. Ability to understand and follow directions of the teacher.
• Performance Aptitudes: Data Utilization, Human Interaction, Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization, Verbal Aptitude, Mathematical Aptitude, Functional Reasoning, Situational Reasoning.

ADA Compliance

• Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).
• Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
• Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Reports To

Principal