K-8 Classroom Support Specialist

POSITION: Teaching Assistant Multiple Positions (K-8)
POSITION GUIDE: Full-Time
REPORTS TO: Principal
Assistant Principal
Classroom Teacher
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Principal or Assistant Principal and assigned classroom teacher, assists in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students in a classroom or instructional setting; performs various tasks in assisting with the educational needs associated with the particular program to which assigned.
Classroom assistants focus will be instructional-based.

Job responsibilities may shift among these roles dependent upon the needs of the student/s. The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties performed by the individual holding this position may be assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND/OR CERTIFICATION:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares for classroom and/or other assigned activities under the direction of the teacher and/or principal.
• Assist the classroom teacher with the instruction and supervision of students during classroom activities.
• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce new skills initially introduced by the classroom teacher.
• Assist the classroom teacher in devising and implementing strategies for reinforcing skills based on data.
• Maintain anecdotal notes, written observations, and other approved forms of documentation for students when instructed to do so by the classroom teacher.
• Assist with critical daily activities.
• Ability to work harmoniously with others and to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) with the public and district personnel using tact, courtesy, and good judgment.
• Ability to perform support functions requiring independent judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving in accordance with established policies and regulations.
• Ability to maintain the privacy of sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Perform general clerical duties such as preparation of instructional materials, scoring student work, prepares materials for classroom use, etc.
• Operate a variety of office equipment such as copy machines, computers, and printers.
• Possess language skills including composition, punctuation, spelling and correct usage.
• Attend building meetings and in-service training.
• Maintain a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Is responsible for instructional-based activities:

• understands the typical developmental characteristics of the age group and exceptional students
• is familiar with the teaching strategy the teacher wants to be used
• is able to provide reinforces in the way the teacher has planned
• is aware of students' strengths and weaknesses
• provides the teacher with feedback on the success/failure of an understanding of the students' skills and knowledge
• follows lesson plans developed by the certified staff member
• clarifies directions and procedures
• uses spoken/written/sign language and vocabulary that are clear and age-appropriate
• asks questions of high quality, with adequate wait time for the student to respond
• promotes classroom interaction
• assists individual students or small groups with tasks
• engages all students in discussion and encourages students to formulate questions
• links content to students' prior knowledge and experience
• works with a variety of instructional grouping patterns to foster students engagement in learning
• uses a variety of instructional strategies to meet the variety of learner needs
• provides feedback in a timely manner and specific to the learner
• helps assess student progress through observing and recording data

Is responsible for monitoring a student's behavior under the direction of the supervising teacher:

• establishes a positive working relationship with the student
• monitors appropriate physical behavior
• monitors appropriate on-task behavior
• charts behavior data
• implements and follows any Behavior Management Plans
• keeps the teacher informed of behavior
• follows teacher's lead/guidelines in the implementation of behavior controls

Is responsible for assisting special education students within the general education classroom:

• assists general education teachers with modification of instruction according to the IEPs
• works with small groups and individual students to support general education classroom instruction
• prepares instructional materials
• assists with the administration of general education assessment
• assists with the implementation of student Behavior Management Plans
• works with small groups and individual students to support classroom instruction
• supports special education students in the…