Instructional Assistant, Dyslexia

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To assist the dyslexia teacher in providing students from many diverse populations with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to find success in reading and writing and to enable students to develop literacy competencies and skills to function successfully in society. To support teacher instruction and facilitate the use of multisensory processing strategies;

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:


High School Diploma or GED, required


Associate Degree or a minimum of 48 college hours, required


Paraprofessional Certification (required upon employment)

Special Knowledge/Skills:


Communicate effectively (verbal and written); utilize effective interpersonal and organizational skills; demonstrate knowledge of the reading and writing process; pay close attention to detail; exhibit general knowledge of curriculum and instruction as it pertains to dyslexic students; computer skills, preferred; committed to helping students become successful learners.

Experience:


Experience in working with children, preferred

Days: 187

Hourly Pay Range:


Minimum: $14.50


Maximum: $20.24

Note: Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist dyslexia teacher with the implementation of the Dyslexia program as outlined in the professional development sessions provided.

2. Assist dyslexia teacher with the planning, preparation and execution of lessons, instructional strategies, activities, materials and equipment that reflect accommodation for individual needs of students.

3. Assist dyslexia teacher in preparing the classroom and students for the Dyslexia program.

4. Monitor students as they work through lessons and intervene, as appropriate and necessary, to provide supplemental instruction, motivation, and encouragement.

5. Document and analyze student progress.

6. Assist teacher with Administration and scoring of all required assessments such as placement tests to select appropriate placement and lessons.

7. Utilize appropriate lesson materials/software and check for mastery and review as needed.

8. Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical and responsible and be a positive role model for students.

9. Assist teacher with training of all students to successfully and appropriately use the materials/software required for Dyslexia program.

10. Establish open lines of communication and maintain a professional relationship with students, parents, colleagues and community members.

11. Maintain discretion and confidentiality.

12. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.

13. Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:


None

EQUIPMENT USED:


Computer, copier, multimedia equipment and other classroom or office machines

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:


Maintain emotional control under stress; ability to instruct

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:


Assist in restraining students in crisis situations; frequent prolonged, irregular hours and occasional evening meetings; occasional lifting or moving up to 45 pounds and over; monitor students for a prolonged period of time; monitor multi-tasks/projects; meet deadlines, develop effective relationship with students, and parents.