Bilingual Assistant - Spanish # 101 - Wilson School (6 hours)

Definition: A "Bilingual Assistant" is an assistant fluent in both English and the primary language of pupils with limited English proficiency in an English Learner program.

Supervision

Receives general supervision from an administrator. May receive technical or functional supervision from a certificated instructor or other certificated personnel. Exercises no supervision over others.

Responsibilities

• Be familiar with the cultural heritage of pupils of limited English proficiency in assigned bilingual classes.
• Reinforce learning concepts using the student’s primary language at the teacher’s or specialist’s direction.
• Assist in the supervision of students’ activities.
• Prepare instructional materials and study aids for classroom or individual study use; perform photocopying and duplication duties as necessary.
• Support the implementation of instructional activities, including assisting limited English-speaking students in developing English language skills and reinforcing concepts taught by the teacher using the students’ primary language as directed.
• Assist students in understanding instructional assignments under teachers’ directions.
• Report any unusual student behavior, including suspected child abuse, to the instructor.
• Translate for assigned teachers, students, and parents during phone calls, parent conferences, and other required occasions.
• Assist teachers with monitoring individual student progress and discussing problems or improvements.
• Operate instructional equipment; may assist in administering tests and examinations.
• Explain and clarify work assignments to students, including translating into another language as necessary.
• Assist the assigned teacher with classroom supervision of students.
• Refer discipline problems to the instructor as necessary.
• Assist the teacher with supervision of children in the library.
• May accompany classes on field trips and assist in supervision during trips.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Correct English usage, including vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Biliteracy and proficiency in English and the second language.
• Subject matter to which assigned.
• General classroom procedures and rules of conduct.
• Effective communication skills in both languages.

Ability to:

• Follow teacher’s direction when working with groups or individual students.
• Learn basic principles and techniques used in improving reading, language, and mathematical skills.
• Assist teachers with translating instructions and other oral communications for parents, students, and teachers.
• Assist teachers with monitoring student progress and identifying problem areas or learning improvements.
• Recognize and understand the needs of students.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with teachers, students, and others.
• Understand the needs of children relative to their cultural background in the specific area of expertise.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Assist the teacher with the preparation and maintenance of accurate, up-to-date records, files, and other documentation, and perform general clerical tasks.
• Meet physical demands of the job.

Physical Demands

• Enter data into a computer terminal or typewriter and operate standard office equipment.
• Sit for extended periods of time.
• Speak clearly and distinctly to perform essential functions.
• Hear discussions and questions during classroom instruction, with or without hearing aids.
• See sufficiently to read a computer screen and printed matter and observe students, with or without vision aids.
• Lift and/or carry up to 25 lbs at waist height for short distances.
• Bend at the waist.
• Reach overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally; grasp, push, or pull.
• Walk over uneven ground.

Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Must meet No Child Left Behind requirements, consisting of 48 college semester units or more from an accredited college or university, or a County Certificate showing compliance with NCLB. Requires a Stockton Unified School District Bi-Literate Certificate in the language of need.