Instructional Assistant- St Thomas More Catholic School

Position Responsibilities

Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school.

Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Serves as a substitute teacher when necessary.

Provides instructional assistance as planned or coordinated by the teacher or administrator.

Leads small group activities, following appropriate training, planned by the teacher in an atmosphere where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences.

Affords student supervision before, during, and after school while they are loading, riding, and unloading buses or cars, on the playground, in the cafeteria, in a learning or practice situation, following appropriate training, as assigned.

Maintains a clean and orderly environment for students.

Escorts or transports students to and from classrooms, clinic, cafeteria as required.

Planning/Preparation

Assists the teacher(s) in preparing materials, teaching aids, bulletin boards and equipment for direct instructional activity.

Examines short- and long-term unit plans prepared by the teacher and anticipates the need for specific supplies and materials.

Schedules space for specialized instructional programs and coordinates the arrangement of equipment, desks, tables, chairs and activity areas.

Administrative/Management

Uses time efficiently.

Provides student supervision before, during, and after school while they are loading, riding, and unloading buses or cars, on the playground, in the cafeteria, in a learning or practice situation, following appropriate training, as assigned.

Affords assistance in maintaining the security of records, materials, and equipment.

Affords assistance in the enforcement of classroom rules and the maintenance of appropriate records.

Intervention/Direct Services

Provides instructional assistance as planned or coordinated by the teacher or administrator.

Leads small group activities, following appropriate training, planned by the teacher in an atmosphere where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences.

Affords assistance with personal hygiene, health and safety issues, or grooming if required.

Collaboration

Works closely with teacher(s) or other professionals to create a quality instructional environment.

Meets and deals effectively with staff members, students, parents, administrators, and other contact persons using tact and good judgment.

Exercises service orientation when working with others.

Exhibits interpersonal skills to work as an effective team member.

Professional Responsibilities

Demonstrates initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.

Fulfills attendance, punctuality, and other qualities of an appropriate work ethic.

Maintains high ethical standards.

Keeps supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events.

Responds to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.

Demonstrates support for the school and its goals and priorities.

Prepares or assists in the preparation of all required reports and maintains all appropriate records.

Demonstrates initiative in identifying potential problems or opportunities for improvement.

Participates in cross-training activities as required.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent, two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education; or Associate’s or higher degree; or knowledge and ability to assist in instruction in core subjects; two (2) years of experience working at day camps, youth groups, private schools, licensed day-care centers, or similar experience with children; reliable transportation, valid driver license, valid vehicle insurance; passes archdiocesan Safe Environment Requirements and background screening; passes Texas DPS Fingerprint-based Applicant Clearinghouse screening.
• Minimum Knowledge And Skills: 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; must be detail oriented, organized, self-motivated, work well independently and on a team; must have good written and verbal skills; must have good critical thinking and problem-solving skills.