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 efforts

Sets up, operates and cares for appropriate equipment

Assists students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning concepts

Conducts individual and small group instruction as appropriate

Assists with supervision of students and helps monitor student discipline

Prepares lesson plans for substitute instructional assistant in the event of a planned absence

Helps teacher and/or substitute teacher maintain routine and assists as needed

Initiates behavior modification when necessary for students, using charts, rewards, etc.

Communicates with parents in a positive manner

Assists 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 assignment

Helps plan and prepare hall and classroom bulletin boards and other classroom learning displays, as appropriate

Helps students with clothes, toilet routines, lunch, snack and cleanup routines, as needed

Attends school staff meetings and training sessions

Incorporates new instructional methods and/or strategies

Participates in and contributes to a process of continual professional improvement

Adapts and modifies curriculum materials as appropriate

Helps 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 coaching

Serves as liaison between student, teacher or administrator

Shares insights with the teacher concerning a pupil's needs or concerns

Maintains confidentiality

Maintains a regular and reliable level of attendance in order to perform and complete duties

Performs other duties as assigned by Principal

Qualification Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED and 60 hours of college credit or successful completion of Praxis Para Pro Test

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 employees

Ability to work with and apply mathematical concepts and the ability to complete routine arithmetical calculations

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 form

Ability to use machines, tools, equipment and work aids which are commonly associated with this type of work

Physical Demands:

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 noise level in the work environment is usually moderate