Instructional Assistant - General Education K-2

School/Department: Elementary, Middle, or High School – School Site

Pay Grade: Noncertified Grade 20 – Nonexempt – Eligible for employment contract: No

About the Role

Performs instructional support work assisting classroom teachers in classroom activities as well as general administrative support tasks. Implements goals and objectives established by licensed teachers and works directly with students. Assists in the instruction of individual students or groups of students in all curricular areas as directed by teachers or administrators. Plans and collaborates with teachers in devising special strategies for reinforcing skills and concepts based on the understanding of individual students.

Responsibilities

• Provides assistance with activities and duties that implement the total school program, assists teachers in instructional activities, and ensures an encouraging, caring, safe, and healthy environment for all students.
• Aids teachers with planning and organizing, evaluating instructional activities, developing classroom procedures, and preparing necessary materials; ensures materials for students are readily available according to the needs of the lesson plan.
• Demonstrates professional and technical skills necessary to function effectively in the classroom and to support the school program.
• Works with an individual student and/or specific groups of students in a different classroom and/or area of the school, as needed.
• Participates in the district staff development program and continued professional growth in the area of assignment.
• Maintains a positive disposition, exercises good judgement, and remains calm when dealing with students at all times.
• May perform vision and hearing screenings; enters results into the Electronic Access Student Information System (EASi, student’s electronic records system). Initial training and recertification will be provided through WCPSS, if needed.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• For Title I schools: Meet the employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Pub.L.114-95, and have one of the following:
  • Six documented semester hours of coursework in childhood education, or
  • Two years of work experience in a childhood setting.
• Dependent upon the need of the school and the student population, hold and maintain a Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification (Principal will determine if the position requires; CPI training will be provided through WCPSS).

Skills

• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Apps.
• Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods and core subjects at the assigned grade level.
• Ability to recognize and support students of diverse backgrounds, learning abilities, and learning styles.
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable laws.
• Ability to work in a team environment and effectively collaborate with others.
• Ability to motivate students and constantly supervise their safety and well-being.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to implement academic and behavioral interventions, as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPR and First Aid certification.

Schedule

Monday–Friday (occasional evenings and weekends). Workweek must not exceed 40 hours and begins at least 30 minutes prior to the instructional day for students.

Work Environment

This job operates in a classroom environment and requires sitting and standing throughout the day. Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position may require direct contact with school staff, external funding agencies, and the community.

Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Assistance with proper lifting techniques is available from the school’s Physical Therapist, if needed.