Interim Instructional Assistant; Kindergarten

Position: Interim Instructional Assistant (Kindergarten)
Location: Palo Alto

This is an interim, part time role in a Kindergarten classroom at Aspire East Palo Alto Charter School.

ABOUT ASPIRE

Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high-performing, college preparatory charter schools serving TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998-in an effort to transform the inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that our communities persist through-Aspire is one of the largest and most forward-thinking open-enrollment public charter school systems in the nation.

Our purpose is to prepare our scholars for success in college, career, and life. At Aspire, we set a foundation for our scholars to gain knowledge, skills, and power to access and make choices for their families and post-secondary lives. Every day, our community of students, families, teachers and staff comes together to learn, work, and play in an environment grounded in our values of Bienestar (Well-Being), Culture of Belonging, Community Partnership, Agency & Self-Determination, and Joy.

GENERAL

SUMMARY:

The Instructional Assistant supports classroom teacher(s) in providing a high quality, personalized education program for students. S/he works during the school day and/or the after school program. The ideal candidate for this position is a recent college graduate who has an interest in pursuing a career as an educator.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Support classroom systems/procedures and help manage student behavior to ensure all students are fully engaged in learning

* Develop and implement lesson plans and classroom activities consistent with California State Standards and Aspire Instructional Guidelines

* Assess students regularly in accordance with Aspire guidelines and analyze assessment data

* Collaborate with Aspire team members to improve own and others' instructional practices; share best practices

* Help classroom teacher(s) provide students and their families with regular and timely information on classroom activities and student progress

* May help track critical student information and maintain accurate student records, including attendance, in accordance with Aspire procedures

* Identify unique student needs and collaborate with other team members and outside service providers to diagnose and address learning challenges

* Assist with planning and executing differentiated instruction for students with a variety of needs, including: parallel teaching, small group and/or one-on-one instruction.

* Teach students in the after school program, especially intervention and acceleration for students below grade level

* Support a school-wide culture of high expectations that includes college preparation for all students; work with College and Academic Counselor to support students with academic progress and college application processes

* Teach or co-teach Advisory class with the objective of developing students' character and habits

* Actively participate in professional development activities, including: training sessions and working with lead teacher, principal, instructional coaches

* Work towards career as an educator, which may include enrolling in teacher credential program

* Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Aspire Public Schools mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior

* Perform other related duties as required and assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

* Competencies:

* Knowledge of child cognitive development and different learning styles

* Ability and willingness to implement Aspire Instructional Guidelines and Best Practices

* Ability and willingness to reflect and improve

* Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate with colleagues, parents and community

* Minimum educational level:

* Associate's degree or successful completion of 48 units of college credit or passing of Paraprofessional Test

* Bachelor's degree in Education, Teaching, or related field preferred

* Physical requirements:

* Stand, walk or bend over, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, grasp, push, and pull. Move, lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds to shoulder height

* Repetitive use of hands…