SPED Instructional Assistant

Reports To

Principal

Job Function

Assist teachers with students.

Responsibilities

• Tutor individuals or small groups of students typically with a disability or handicap, reinforcing and implementing instructions as directed by the teacher; maintain records of student progress.
• Transport students to and from activities and assist in preparation for treatment as required.
• Prepare and organize lessons as directed by the teacher; administer and score a variety of tests according to established guidelines; assist in determining English proficiency of identified students.
• Assist in administering diagnostic and other tests; score and record test information; read, understand and assist in implementing, recording and monitoring student's IEP.
• Monitor and report behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior; check and assist students with lab work as necessary.
• Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional and classroom materials; operate copy machines; maintain classroom records; maintain attendance records.
• Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating audio-visual equipment, operating educational training equipment and distributing and collecting paper and supplies.
• Assist in overseeing students while in labs or other activities; provide for supplies inventory as necessary.
• Assist students in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off of outer wear, moving from room to room, using the lavatory and others; assist students in getting on and off the bus.
• Assist students by providing proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations.
• Direct group activities of students as assigned; assist in monitoring lunchroom and playground activities as assigned; assist in emergency drills, assemblies, play periods and field trips.
• Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.
• Maintain regular attendance.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge And Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Basic subjects taught in the District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.

Ability to:

• Learn child guidance principles and practices.
• Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the public, including members of ethnic communities.
• Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
• Print and write legibly.
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Monitor, observe and report student behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
• Operate instructional and office equipment.

Physical Demands

• Standing/Walking: Frequent (1/3 to 2/3 of work day)
• Sitting: Repetitive (2/3 or more of work day)
• Handle/Finger/Feel: Frequent (1/3 to 2/3 of work day)
• Reach/Push/Pull: Frequent (1/3 to 2/3 of work day)
• Bend/Stoop/Crouch: Occasional (up to 1/3 of work day)
• Kneel/Crawl: Occasional (up to 1/3 of work day)
• Climb/Balance: Occasional (up to 1/3 of work day)
• Lift/Carry Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent (1/3 to 2/3 of work day)
• Lift/Carry Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional (up to 1/3 of work day)
• Lift/Carry Up to 50 lbs.: Seldom/Rare
• Lift/Carry Up to 100 lbs.: Seldom/Rare
• Lift/Carry Over 100 lbs.: Seldom/Rare

Education And Experience

High school diploma or G.E.D. Certificate and:

• Complete two years of study at an institution of higher education;
• Obtain an associate's (or higher) degree; or
• Meet a rigorous standard of quality and be able to demonstrate, through a formal State or local academic assessment, knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics (or as appropriate reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness).