Instructional Assistant- SPED

About the role

Under general supervision of the classroom teacher, the Instructional Assistant reports to the principal. The Instructional Assistant is responsible for assisting the teacher in achieving teaching objectives by working with individual students or small groups, perform routine clerical and supportive tasks; and help make the classroom a challenging, safe, and stimulating learning environment. Works cooperatively with colleagues, supervisors, and administrators.

Responsibilities

• Tutor and assist individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials and skills initially introduced by the teacher, makeup, or remedial work.
• Provide, teach, and model communication and social skills in helping the student learn to communicate better, interact with peers, and learn social rules of the school.
• Reinforce the implementation of IEP goals using similar emphasis and techniques as classroom teacher.
• Assist instructional personnel with the preparation and presentation of learning materials.
• Assist in directing learning activities and functions based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Monitor and assist students in drills, practice, and study activities.
• Assist in the management of student behavior using positive reinforcement strategies and techniques and collaborate with the instructor on the implementation of behavior plans.
• Perform a variety of clerical tasks to support the instructor, and maintain classroom records, prepare reports, and score assignments/assessments.
• Assist in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment.
• Provide support for non-instruction duty.
• May participate in meetings/parent conferences, as requested.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of children being transported to and from the school and on field trips.
• Serve as the chief source of information and help any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher. At times may serve as the substitute teacher.
• Provide information to the teacher so the teacher can effectively communicate with parents.
• Work with administration to meet professional requirements and responsibilities.
• Is punctual in attendance and in responding to timelines and due dates.
• Maintain the dress code policy established by Carlsbad Municipal Schools as appropriate to job duties.
• Always maintain consistent supervision of students.
• Limit cell phone usage during instruction and supervision of students.
• Keep Instructional Assistant credentials current.
• Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of a fully licensed teacher.
• Perform care-giving duties including, but not limited to toileting duties, feeding, pushing wheelchairs, and lifting/transferring students with special needs.
• Other duties as assigned by the teacher or principal.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Possess or qualify for a New Mexico Level III Educational Assistant License.
• In order to qualify for a Level III License you must pass the Para Pro Exam or have an Associate/Bachelor Degree.
• Must be able to pass employment verification.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.

Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred.
• College level coursework in language arts, reading, writing, math, special education, professional education, classroom management is desired.
• Additional education and/or desirable training.