Program Assistant

Program AssistantTitle: Program Assistant Union Status: ESPA Based on the official school calendarWork Year: Reports To: Assistant Principal or designeeClassification/Code: Supervisory FLSA Status: Non-ExemptSalary: Schedule A Pay Scale Benefits: Board Paid Single CoverageThe Program Assistant provides instructional support work in providing assistance to teachers in the daily management and instruction of students. The employee is responsible for performing clerical and instructional tasks to relieve teachers of routine activities and to help carry out daily classroom activities. The work involves observing and reporting on the behavior and learning of students and closely monitoring the needs of children including basic personal needs and physical help. These professionals reinforce lessons by tutoring individual students or small groups.Maintain confidentiality in the performance of all assigned duties regarding all aspects of work with children and staffAssist teachers in providing a well-organized, smooth functioning environment in which all students can take full advantage of the instructional programWork with individual students or small groups to reinforce instructional material initially introduced by the teacherWork with individual students or small groups for intervention programming under the direction of certified staffAttend training and professional development when appropriateAssist the teacher with non-instructional classroom duties such as snack, restroom, recess, and clothing routinesHelp prepare and distribute lesson materialsAssist in monitoring student progress and report concerns to teacher(s)Assist the teacher in keeping the classroom neat and orderlyAssist the teacher in preparing and arranging bulletin boardsAssist with supervision of students in and out of the classroomAssist with preparing and maintaining student records when requestedAssist teachers and students with technologyAssist with escorting and supervising students within and outside the school to special area classes, recess, field trips, etc.Participate in collaborative planning for instruction with classroom teacher(s)Assist the teacher in preparing the classroom for the opening of school and in storing materials and getting the classroom ready for closing of schoolDemonstrate cooperation, openness for growth, and willingness to contribute as a productive team memberPerform clerical duties for teacher when necessaryMonitor student progress by checking work in progress, making corrections and reporting results to the teacherAssist in organizing and maintaining classroom materialsPrepare center projects and set up weekly center areasCorrect and grade papers, supervise testing and makeup workSubstitute Teach as needed (for employees who meet ISBE requirements to substitute teach)Monitor and ensure appropriate student behaviorCheck and respond to District email at a minimum of once dailyHave the ability to work from home, in the event work from home is provided by the district, including the ability to access WIFIAdditional job requirements include supervision of students both indoor and outdoor, such as to/from the bus each day and/or lunch/recess assistance resulting in exposure to all weather conditionsPerform other duties as assignedStrong organizational skillsUnderstanding, patience, emotional stability and a positive attitude for working with childrenExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsMust possess a minimum of a Paraprofessional License or Substitute Teaching License through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)Paraprofessional approval from the Illinois State Board of EducationPrior school experience a plusWhile performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to a minimum of 20 pounds or more. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.The employee occasionally types using a keyboard. In the work environment, the employee is regularly exposed to video display and works in a classroom environment. Occasional opportunities may be available for work in the evening or on weekends. The employee is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee will have contact with the public which requires appropriate demeanor and apparel. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The physical demands and work environment described 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 the essential functions.