Instructional Assistant - Transitional Kinder (TK) - Taft

Redwood City School District takes pride in our dedicated workforce and strong connection with our students, families, and community. Our highly dedicated and skilled team of professionals provides a safe and supportive, inspirational and rigorous, joyful and inclusive environment for all learners. We are looking to build our workforce with staff who share this vision and want to instill passion in learning, emphasizing student strengths and gifts for all learners: all abilities, all ethnicities and cultural identities, LGBTQ+ youth, and multilingual learners.

About the role

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individual or small groups of students; monitor and report student progress; prepare materials and perform clerical duties in support of classroom activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the instruction of individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing lessons and instruction provided by the teacher; assist in planning and arranging field trips and special activities.
• Prepare lessons as directed by the teacher; administer and score a variety of classroom tests and pupil work according to established guidelines.
• Monitor and report behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior; assist in the development of appropriate social behavior using positive reinforcement techniques.
• Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional and classroom materials; operate a variety of office equipment including typewriter, personal computer, thermos fax, and copy machines; assist in the maintenance of student records and files; distribute and account for textbooks, supplies, and equipment.
• Collect, assemble, catalog, and distribute resource materials as assigned; distribute and assist in the accounting for textbooks, supplies, and equipment.
• Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, bulletin boards, displays and exhibits, operating audio-visual equipment, operating educational training and athletic equipment, and distributing and collecting papers and supplies.
• Assist students by providing proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude, and general guidance; assist in student activities such as drills, exercises, and practices.
• Assemble, set up, maintain, and store equipment used in instructional exercises; maintain equipment in proper and safe working condition; report needed repairs.
• Confer, as needed, with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs; assist in determining English proficiency of identified students.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations; maintain student work areas in a neat and orderly manner.
• Direct group activities of students as assigned; assist in monitoring classroom, lunchroom, and playground activities and accompany students on field trips as assigned.
• Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned; attend meetings related to curriculum content and student-related concerns and issues; participate in parent-teacher conferences and contact parents as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic subjects taught in the District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language, and reading.
• Knowledge of basic instructional methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
• Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Knowledge of the proper use and care of educational and athletic equipment.
• Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Knowledge of basic record-keeping techniques.

Qualifications

• Ability to reinforce instruction to individuals or small groups of students as directed by the teacher.
• Ability to communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff, and the public, including members of ethnic communities.
• Ability to work confidentially with discretion.
• Ability to perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
• Ability to print and write legibly.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to learn procedures, functions, and limitations of assigned duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to learn, apply, and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities.
• Ability to monitor, observe, and report student behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
• Ability to operate instructional, athletic, and office equipment.

Education and Experience

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year of experience working with children in an organized educational or child care environment.

Additional Requirements

Some positions in this class may require speaking a second designated language.