2026-2027 Preschool Assistant

About the role

The purpose of this classification is to provide teaching assistance in Voluntary PreK (VPK) 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 skill development based on the Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards (TN-ELDS); and assists with facilitation of lesson plans.
• Maintains order and monitors behavior/activities of students; mediates disputes between students; handles situations involving excessive noise, disruptive behavior, or other problems; initiates disciplinary action per prescribed policies; monitors students.
• Performs clerical tasks in support of teaching activities, office operations, or other school functions; answers telephone calls, provides information, or records messages; copies, laminates and/or assembles various documentation; communicates with parents through various media including in-person and via Classroom Dojo of meetings; organizes/distributes school materials; sends/receives faxes; sorts/distributes mail; assists with routine tasks in the school.
• Performs miscellaneous tasks as needed; checks students for possible illness; administers basic first aid to sick/injured students; contacts parents regarding sick children, needed supplies, or other issues; makes announcements over public announcement system; assists with dismissal of children from school.
• Prepares and receives various documents pertaining to student instruction and school operations.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; complete online trainings 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, walkie talkie, 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 home visits, staff meetings, PTA meetings, parent meetings, M-Team meetings, behavior meetings, or other meetings as needed.
• Instructional assistants shall assist classroom teachers in keeping records as required by legislation, the State Board of Education, or the Department of Education; and those records deemed necessary at the local level.
• Building principal shall have the responsibility of assigning general fund or grant funded instructional assistants to non-instructional supervision of students which may include, but is not limited to: (TCA 49-2-303(b)(6): Lunchroom duty, bus duty, recess or playground duty, before or after school duty, or other related activities.
• Instructional assistants may work with students in instructional activities; however, assistants must at all times be under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher. (TCA 49-2-203(a)(1) Assistants may not be used in lieu of the teacher to provide daily instruction, but may be used in the implementation of the lesson plan as the teacher deems appropriate.
• Instructional assistants may administer and score tests including, but not limited to, screening instruments, placement tests, mastery learning 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 and building principal.

Additional Functions

• Cleans up various errands as needed.
• Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education equivalent to graduation from a state approved high school is the minimum requirement.
• 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.
• Must be willing to become CPR and First Aid Certified. Certifications must remain current.
• Complete 30 hours of professional development training annually and maintain compliance with all state regulations for Voluntary PreK.