INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT ISS

About the role

The Teacher Assistant provides instructional and classroom support to certified teachers to enhance student learning and achievement. The role includes working with small groups and individual students, assisting with classroom management, and supporting instructional and non‑instructional activities in accordance with Mississippi Department of Education guidelines and district policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of at least 48 semester hours of college credit from an accredited institution, OR an associate’s degree or higher, OR a passing score on the WorkKeys
• Ability to work effectively with children and staff of diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of basic instructional strategies, classroom technology, and student support techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to follow directions, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality

Responsibilities

• Assist the classroom teacher in delivering instruction and reinforcing lessons with individuals or small groups of students
• Support classroom management by helping maintain order, monitoring student behavior, and reinforcing school rules
• Prepare, organize, and distribute instructional materials and resources
• Operate educational equipment, technology, and software as directed by the teacher
• Assist with the supervision of students in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, field trips, and other settings
• Provide support for students with special needs, including implementing accommodations and modifications as outlined in IEPs/504 Plans under the supervision of a certified teacher
• Perform clerical tasks such as copying, filing, grading simple assignments, and recording student information
• Communicate effectively with teachers, administrators, parents, and students while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and district policies
• Attend required staff meetings, professional development sessions, and training workshops
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the teacher or school administrator

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The employee is continuously required to speak and listen for extended periods, sit or stand for long periods, and regularly move; use hands or fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Regularly lift and move up to 20 pounds, occasionally up to 30 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The role also requires physical, mental, and emotional stamina, as well as mental acuity to collect, evaluate, and interpret data, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw conclusions, and make effective judgments.

Terms of Employment

• Full‑time, 187 days
• Evaluation performed in accordance with Simpson County Board of Education Policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel

Pay

Compensation range: $14.00 per hour – $21.00 per hour.