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Full-time, 9-month bargaining unit position (non-exempt) reporting to the Principal, Assistant Principal, Student Advisor, Program Coordinator, Student Services Coordinator, or Classroom Teacher.

About the role

Under the direction of the Principal or Assistant Principal and assigned classroom teacher, assists in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students in a classroom or instructional setting. Performs various tasks to support the educational needs of the program, including instructionally-based, physically-management based, and medically-based roles as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepares for classroom and other assigned activities under the direction of the teacher and/or principal.
• Assists the classroom teacher with instruction and supervision of students during classroom activities.
• Works with individual students or small groups to reinforce new skills initially introduced by the classroom teacher.
• Assists the classroom teacher in devising and implementing strategies for reinforcing skills based on data.
• Maintains anecdotal notes, written observations, and other approved forms of documentation for students when instructed.
• Assists with critical daily activities.
• Performs general clerical duties such as preparation of instructional materials, scoring student work, and preparing materials for classroom use.
• Operates office equipment including copy machines, computers, and printers.
• Attends building meetings and in-service training; maintains commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Communicates effectively with the public and district personnel using tact, courtesy, and good judgment.
• Performs support functions requiring independent judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving in accordance with established policies.
• Maintains the privacy of sensitive and confidential information.
• Follows oral and written instructions.

Instructionally-based Activities

• Understands the typical developmental characteristics of the age group and exceptional students.
• Is familiar with the teaching strategy the teacher wants to use and provides reinforcement as planned.
• Is aware of students’ strengths and weaknesses and provides feedback on the success/failure of student understanding.
• Follows lesson plans developed by certified staff and clarifies directions and procedures.
• Uses clear, age-appropriate spoken/written/sign language and vocabulary.
• Asks high-quality questions with adequate wait time for student responses.
• Promotes classroom interaction and engages all students in discussion.
• Assists individual students or small groups with tasks and encourages students to formulate questions.
• Links content to students’ prior knowledge and experience.
• Works with a variety of instructional grouping patterns to foster student engagement.
• Uses a variety of instructional strategies to meet learner needs.
• Provides timely and specific feedback to learners.
• Helps assess student progress through observing and recording data.

Medical Support

• Assists with toileting, which may include diapering and assisting students in any stage of the toileting process.
• Assists with feeding, including g-tube feeding.
• May catheterize students.
• Lifts and positions students as needed.

Behavioral Support

• Monitors and charts student behavior under the direction of the supervising teacher.
• Establishes a positive working relationship with students.
• Implements and follows Behavior Management Plans.
• Keeps the teacher informed of behavior and follows the teacher’s guidelines for behavior controls.

Special Education Support

• Assists general education teachers with modification of instruction according to IEPs.
• Works with small groups and individual students to support general education classroom instruction.
• Prepares instructional materials and assists with the administration of general education assessments.
• Implements student Behavior Management Plans.
• Supports special education students in the general education curriculum in areas without IEP goals.

Requirements

• Valid State of Illinois Professional Educator License with Self-Contained General Education Endorsement or Educator License with Stipulations (PARA).
• High School Diploma or minimum of 30 semester hours of college credit (degree preferred).
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) with the ability to read, write, and speak Spanish to support students in reading, written expression, and math.
• Demonstrated concern for children’s well-being and willingness to accept instruction.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to compose correspondence, reports, and other written materials with excellent grammatical, spelling, and punctuation skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information.
• Ability to perform basic math using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to interpret instructions and information furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Knowledge of basic child guidance principles and practices.
• Maintains appropriate confidentiality and promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Knowledge of safe practices in the school environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and demonstrate a commitment to teamwork.
• Ability to learn and utilize office equipment, computers, and software, especially as systems are upgraded.
• Ability to react well under pressure, handle multiple demands, and work with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to perform duties in compliance with district, Board, state, and federal laws, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and use independent judgment.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Constant interruptions and inflexible deadlines; noise level ranges from quiet to moderate.
• Duties performed primarily indoors, occasionally outdoors.
• In-district and out-of-town travel may be required for training or to carry out duties.

Pay

Salary and benefits in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the Board of School Inspectors of School District 86 and the Joliet #86 School Related Personnel Council AFT-Local 604. Maximum 5 years full-time experience.