Student Instructional Assistant at Florence K-6

Student Instructional Assistant

The Florence Unified School District is proud to offer the Pathway to Educational Professions Program (PEP). This initiative provides an exceptional opportunity for high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in education. As a Student Instructional Assistant, participants will gain hands-on classroom experience under the supervision of a teacher, earning both valuable skills and academic credit applicable toward graduation. Participants who successfully complete the program may transition into a full-time paraprofessional role within the district and have the opportunity to pursue higher education leading to a teaching career.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist classroom teachers in delivering educational activities and maintaining a productive learning environment.
• Support students individually or in small groups to reinforce lessons, provide guidance, or assist with assignments.
• Help prepare and organize instructional materials and classroom resources.
• Monitor student behavior and ensure adherence to classroom and school rules.
• Maintain a positive and professional demeanor while collaborating with teachers and peers.
• Participate in evaluations conducted by mentors and site supervisors to track progress.
• Demonstrate initiative, self-direction, and responsibility in fulfilling job duties.

Eligibility:

• Must be a 12th-grade student and at least 16 years old.
• Must be on track to graduate and approved for early release or late start.
• Commit to completing 120 hours of work in a semester (tracked via time clock).
• Participate in an interview with the site principal and mentor teacher.
• Receive evaluations after completing 60 and 120 work hours.
• Provide own transportation to the worksite and comply with school parking regulations.

Essential Skills to Be Developed:

• Complex Communication:
  Convey information effectively in a professional setting.
• Collaboration:
  
  Work with others to achieve goals.
• Thinking and Innovation:
  Apply critical thinking and creative solutions.
• Professionalism:
  Display workplace-appropriate conduct.
• Initiative and Self-Direction:
  Demonstrate autonomy in tasks.
• Cross-Cultural Competence:
  Interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Organizational Culture:
  Adapt to workplace norms and values.
• Legal and Ethical Practices:
  Follow workplace laws and ethical standards.
• Financial Practices:
  Understand the financial considerations of an organization.

Evaluation Criteria:

Participants will be evaluated based on Arizona CTE Career Preparation Standards. Evaluations include four proficiency levels:
Needs Development, Competent, Proficient, and Advanced.

Program Benefits:

• Hands-on experience in an educational setting.
• Earn high school credit for work experience.
• Gain confidence, responsibility, and maturity through real-world applications.
• Seamless transition to paraprofessional employment post-graduation.
• Pathway to higher education, leading to an Associate's Degree, teaching certification, and a rewarding career in education.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult with their school counselor or internship coordinator to begin the application process.

Terms of Employment:

Salary placement on Grade A of the Governing Board approved salary schedule. Part-Time Hours per day as determined by the specific assignment. Benefits as assigned for this position. Clearances Criminal Justice/Fingerprint Clearance at age 18. Measles/Mumps/Rubella Immunity/Vaccination. Valid I-9 form.

Notice of Non-Discrimination:
The Florence Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its policies, procedures or practices, in compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district's activities and programs.

The Florence Unified School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated compliance coordinator(s): the District Title IX Coordinator, and/or the District 504 Coordinator, both of which can be located on our web page or in person at 1000 South Main Street, Florence, Arizona. Or by phone at .