Instructional Assistant - Art

About the Role

Assist a certified teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students in a classroom or other learning environment. Prepare instructional materials and perform a variety of routine clerical duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the presentation of instructional materials and academic instruction to individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher.
• Assist students in their understanding and comprehension of reading, writing, language arts, math, and social studies, performing remedial exercises and other basic instruction as required.
• Repeat and reinforce instruction to assist students' comprehension and understanding; provide more individual assistance to students experiencing learning difficulty.
• Use games, skits, puppets, and other instructional activities to reinforce the main lesson plan.
• Report progress regarding student performance and behavior as required; provide input and assist instructors with determining student advancement through established learning programs.
• Assist with teaching and developing large and small motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and group activity skills and responsibilities.
• Utilize balls, ropes, balance beam, and other physical education equipment in developing motor skills.
• Assist in the preparation of materials for classroom use as directed by the teacher; prepare flash cards to assist student learning comprehension.
• Observe and control behavior of students in and out of the classroom, including snack time, play time, and movement of students to various locations on the school campus.
• Prepare, administer, correct, and record tests, papers, essays, and homework assignments as directed; prepare homework packets as assigned.
• Call students and parents to follow up on absences as assigned.
• Perform a variety of clerical duties such as updating cumulative folders, recording grades, assembling materials, preparing charts and bulletin boards, taking roll, maintaining records and files, typing and duplicating classroom materials, and distributing and collecting papers and supplies.
• Operate audio-visual equipment, copier, laminator, and fax machine; set up displays as necessary; operate a personal computer or computer terminal as required.
• Assist students by providing a proper role model, emotional support, patience, a friendly attitude, and general guidance.
• Confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs; arrange for guest speakers and field trips as assigned.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures; provide immediate basic first aid and comfort to students as needed.
• Direct group activities of students as assigned.
• Participate in meetings, in-service training programs, and field trips as assigned.
• Maintain regular attendance.

Requirements

• Minimum 30 college credit hours or Associate’s Degree preferred.
• Experience working with youth in an organized setting and some instructional experience in a classroom environment working with children and parents with special needs, multicultural, and multi-ethnic backgrounds.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.

Skills

• Knowledge of Cityscape Schools mission, philosophy, culture, protocol, and organizational structure.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws governing education.
• Knowledge of elementary, secondary, or special education principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching.
• Knowledge of No Child Left Behind, Texas Education Agency, and school rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of people and remain sensitive to their concerns.
• Ability to present a positive and professional image of Cityscape Schools.
• Basic subjects taught including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language, and reading.
• Correct oral and written usage of English and a designated second language.
• Child guidance principles and practices.
• Classroom procedures and conduct.
• Basic instructional techniques.
• School and classroom rules, policies, and procedures.
• Safe practices in classroom activities.
• Reading and writing communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Record-keeping techniques.
• Ability to assist in providing patient instruction to individuals or small groups of students in a classroom or other learning environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and adults both orally and in writing.
• Ability to read, write, translate, and interpret English and a designated second language.
• Ability to assist with the instructional and related activities of the assigned learning environment.
• Ability to learn methods and procedures to be followed in the assigned instructional environment and limitations.
• Ability to observe and control student behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff, volunteers, and the public, including members of the ethnic communities.
• Ability to prepare instructional materials and perform a variety of routine clerical duties.
• Ability to perform clerical duties such as filing, typing, duplicating, and maintaining records related to the instructional program.
• Ability to print and write legibly.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to read, follow, explain, and enforce rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work independently with little direction.
• Ability to operate instructional and a variety of office equipment, such as a computer, fax machine, and other machines as required, audio-visual equipment, fax, and laminator.
• Ability to maintain a clean, safe, and orderly classroom learning environment.

Physical Demands

• Duties performed typically in school settings to include: classrooms, gymnasium, cafeteria, auditorium, and recreational areas.
• Work is performed while standing, sitting, and/or walking.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing.
• Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
• Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, and reaching.
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull medium weights, up to 50 pounds.