Elementary Instructional Assistant

Paraprofessional (Instructional Assistant)Assists the teacher and principal in meeting the needs of students and staff by performing any combination of the following tasks:Discusses assigned teaching area with the teacher or administrator to coordinate instructional effortsSets up, operates and cares for appropriate equipmentAssists students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning conceptsConducts individual and small group instruction as appropriateAssists with supervision of students and helps monitor student disciplinePrepares lesson plans for substitute instructional assistant in the event of a planned absenceHelps teacher and/or substitute teacher maintain routine and assists as neededInitiates behavior modification when necessary for students, using charts, rewards, etc.Communicates with parents in a positive mannerAssists with clerical duties: types (tests, purchase orders), copies, laminates, organizes and updates files, records and mainstream lists, records attendance, checks assignments, etc., as appropriate for program and specific assignmentHelps plan and prepare hall and classroom bulletin boards and other classroom learning displays, as appropriateHelps students with clothes, toilet routines, lunch, snack and cleanup routines, as neededAttends school staff meetings and training sessionsIncorporates new instructional methods and/or strategiesParticipates in and contributes to a process of continual professional improvementAdapts and modifies curriculum materials as appropriateHelps with activities such as: reading to students as needed, reviewing for tests, assisting teacher with plays and special activities, chaperoning field trips, may also be involved in job coachingAssists teacher in monitoring assignment sheets as identified for specific studentsServes as liaison between student, teacher or administratorShares insights with the teacher concerning a pupil's needs or concernsMaintains confidentialityMaintains a regular and reliable level of attendance in order to perform and complete dutiesPerforms other duties as assigned by PrincipalQualification Requirements:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Education/Certification/Licenses:High School Diploma or GED and 60 hours of college credit or successful completion of Praxis ParaPro TestLanguage Skills:Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals; ability to utilize effective communication skills and proper grammar in reports and correspondence; ability to speak effectively with supervisors, students, parents, and other employeesMathematical Skills:Ability to work with and apply mathematical concepts and the ability to complete routine arithmetical calculationsReasoning Abilities:Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule formOther Skills and Abilities:Ability to use machines, tools, equipment and work aids which are commonly associated with this type of workPhysical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, see and hear. The employee frequently is required to: stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and, taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and, the ability to focus. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally must lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.Work Environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.