Instructional Assistant- St Louis School

About the role

The Instructional Assistant fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by assisting the classroom teacher in planning, guiding, and educating students in a loving, Christ-centered environment. The Instructional Assistant assists the classroom teacher in evaluating the learning process of the students in the Catholic school for whom the teacher is responsible within the framework of the school’s philosophy, organization, and curriculum.

Responsibilities

The Instructional Assistant helps the teacher prepare instructional materials, assists with students, and supports learning activities that have been defined by the teacher. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting and upholding the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acting as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding school matters
• Adhering to safety training and protocols on a daily basis, and taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of self, others
• Protecting the confidentiality of any information or material obtained in the service with the organization
• Adhering to the Code of Conduct and the Faith and Moral Policy
• Taking a solution-oriented approach in interactions and undertakings, and promoting collaboration and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization

Planning/Preparation

The Instructional Assistant will assist the teacher(s) in preparing materials, teaching aids, bulletin boards, and equipment for direct instructional activity. This includes:

• Locating, copying, collating, distributing, and/or grouping materials supporting instructional activities planned by the teacher
• Scheduling space for specialized instructional programs and coordinating the arrangement of equipment, desks, tables, chairs, and activity areas
• Examining short- and long-term unit plans prepared by the teacher and anticipating the need for specific supplies and materials
• Confering with the teacher on progress of students
• Serving as substitute teacher when necessary

Administrative/Management

The Instructional Assistant will use time efficiently and provide student supervision before, during, and after school. This includes:

• Assisting in maintaining the security of records, materials, and equipment
• Assisting the teacher in the enforcement of classroom rules and the maintenance of appropriate records
• Maintaining a clean and orderly environment for students
• Checking objective tests and marking errors but not assigning a grade
• Escorting or transporting students to and from classrooms, clinic, cafeteria as required

Intervention/Direct Services

The Instructional Assistant will provide instructional assistance as planned or coordinated by the teacher or administrator. This includes:

• Leading small group activity, following appropriate training, planned by the teacher in an atmosphere where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences
• Assisting students with personal hygiene, health, and safety issues, or grooming if required

Collaboration

The Instructional Assistant will work closely with teacher(s) or other professionals to create a quality instructional environment. This includes:

• Meeting and dealing effectively with staff members, students, parents, administrators, and other contact persons using tact and good judgment
• Exercising service orientation when working with others
• Exhibiting interpersonal skills to work as an effective team member

Professional Responsibilities

The Instructional Assistant will demonstrate initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities and follow attendance, punctuality, and other qualities of an appropriate work ethic. This includes:

• Ensuring adherence to good safety standards
• Modeling and maintaining high ethical standards
• Keeping supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events
• Using effective, positive interpersonal communication skills
• Responding to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner
• Demonstrating support for the school and its goals and priorities

Requirements

The minimum qualifications for this role include:

• High school diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED)
• Two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education; or (b) Associate’s or higher degree; or (c) Knowledge and ability to assist in instruction in core subjects
• Experience working at day camps, youth groups, private schools, licensed day-care centers, or similar experience with children
• Reliable transportation, valid driver license, and valid vehicle insurance
• Must pass archdiocesan Safe Environment Requirements and background screening, and Texas DPS Fingerprint-based Applicant Clearinghouse screening

Skills

The ideal candidate will have:

• Knowledge of school procedures and policies
• Ability to adapt to different situations and schedules
• Knowledge of the techniques and procedures used in working with targeted student population
• Ability to relate and communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Ability to plan and/or implement instructional activities
• Ability to operate or learn to operate a variety of technology and equipment
• Ability to perform clerical responsibilities
• Ability to cooperate and work as a member of a team
• Physical ability to lift student if required by job assignment
• Detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, and able to work well independently and on a team
• Good written and verbal skills
• Good critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Benefits

Full-time benefits may include:

• Paid Holidays/Holy Days
• Accrued Vacation & Sick Pay
• 403b Retirement
• 401 (a) Pension Plan
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Employee Assistance Program, Short-term/Long-term Disability