Instructional Assistant- Classroom

Instructional Assistant Classroom

This recruitment is to maintain a six (6) month eligibility list for current and future vacancies and substitute opportunities. Current Vacancies: Santa Monica and Malibu Sites Vacancies are usually 3 - 6 hours per day, Monday - Friday.

Under the general supervision of a certificated teacher and a site administrator, assists the teacher by providing instructional support to individuals and small groups of students in regular classrooms, monitors and reports student progress regarding performance and behavior and provides clerical and other support assistance related to instructional activities. The Instructional Assistant Classroom also assists students in becoming successful in their academic, social and emotional development.

Positions in the Instructional Assistant Classroom classification are established to assist certificated teachers in creating successful learning opportunities for students in regular classrooms. Incumbents perform their duties with initiative and independent judgment within standardized procedures as directed by the classroom teacher. Incumbents serve as assistants to the teacher. The full responsibility for appropriate instruction, training, instructional materials and evaluation procedures remains with the teacher.

Education: Must have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent AND Completed 48 units at an institution of higher learning; OR Obtained an Associate's (or higher) degree; OR Must pass the District's Instructional Assistant written examination demonstrating knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness.

Experience: Six (6) months paid or volunteer experience that has provided first-hand knowledge of the needs of school aged children and young people.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Job duties include working with students in small groups and/or on an individual basis in regular classrooms to instruct, reinforce and follow up on learning activities. Assists in the preparation, modification and implementation of lesson plans, instructional materials and learning aids as directed by the teacher, including scoring student reports and papers; and administering, monitoring and scoring a variety of tests (this does not include the administration of standardized assessment measures). Observes students and assists in the supervision and modeling of appropriate student behavior through positive reinforcement techniques and implementation of a teacher designed behavior management system. Confers with teachers concerning student progress and to determine programs, activities and materials to meet individual student needs. Performs clerical support duties, such as preparing, typing and copying instructional materials; recording grades; preparing and maintaining student files, and records as necessary, including confidential records; and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials. Operates and assists students in the operation of a variety of instructional aids, media, and computer terminals and software programs. Provides support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating VCR, movie, slide, film strip and overhead projectors and other audio-visual equipment; and maintaining cassettes, tapes, etc. Participates in staff meetings and in-service training programs as assigned. Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: Basic needs, characteristics and behavior of children and adolescents. Correct English usage, spelling, vocabulary, syntax, grammar and punctuation. Basic arithmetical concepts. Routine record keeping.

Ability to: Be aware of and sensitive to the needs of all children, their cultures, languages, life styles and capabilities. Establish rapport with and gain the confidence of children and students. Learn basic teaching techniques and methods. Read, write and communicate effectively for the needs of the grade level(s) to which assigned. Learn safe practices and procedures for classroom and campus activities. Learn growth and development patterns of children and adolescents. Acquire a firm working knowledge of subjects taught in grade level(s) to which assigned. Learn to utilize appropriate instructional media and materials. Operate or learn to operate appropriate instructional media, materials, a computer terminal and use appropriate software. Understand and carry out oral and written directions. Read and comprehend instructional and related materials. Maintain confidentiality of matters related to students. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the normal course of work. Be flexible.

Supervision is received from a certificated administrator with input from the teacher(s) to whom the Instructional Assistant Classroom is assigned. No supervision of other staff is exercised. Working conditions include the ability to safely lift and carry weights of up to 10 pounds. Ability to stand and sit for extended periods of time. Ability to reach above the shoulders. Visual acuity sufficient for observing and monitoring students and for reading, writing, typing and preparing instructional materials. Ability to hear and speak to exchange information and provide assistance to students. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate instructional media, copiers, computer terminals and to handle instructional materials and files.

To be considered for an employment opportunity with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, it is necessary for you to complete an official District Application and Supplemental Questions. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. The application is part of the examination process and is part of your total evaluation of qualifications for employment. For those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process will consist of any one or more of the following: Training and Experience Evaluation, Written Test, Performance Test, and/or Structured Interview. All correspondence and notifications regarding this recruitment will be sent to the email address you provide. It is your responsibility to review, follow instructions, and respond to information in a timely manner; as if it was a function of your job. The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.