Educational Assistant; EA

Educational Assistant (EA)

Works directly under the supervision of a certified teacher. Assists with students' learning that contributes to their education development and classroom behavior when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

• New Mexico Public Education Department Educational Assistant License; must get a level III license.
• Native American Language & Culture Certification preferred
• Ability to develop an effective working relationship with students, staff, volunteers, parents, and community
• Experience with computers with the ability to enter data, utilize technology and Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to plan and implement lessons based on department and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned
• Ability to communicate with students orally and in writing in English the language
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of students, parents, staff and community
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram and schedule form
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Able to perform the following essential duties, physical and mental functions and utilize the essential equipment of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Essential Duties:

• Treat all students with dignity and respect
• Follow the directions of the certified teacher within the scope of the position
• Assist certified teacher with:
  Provision of direct instruction and support in areas which have been taught utilizing a variety of methods and materials;
  Manage multiple projects, schedules and student activities;
  In planning activities, developing instructional materials;
  With the preparation of instructional materials, record-keeping and or daily tasks associated with the classroom;
  With reinforcing academic behaviors to individual and/or small groups of students and monitor student(s) ability to follow directions and behavior.
• Establish, model, practice and reinforce age-appropriate rules and logical consequences
• Assist with the implementation of classroom procedures, systems and routines that provide structure for students and maximize instructional time
• Maintain charts and records related to student(s) progress
• Assist with the preparation of required reports accurately and in a timely fashion
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom
• Provide immediate, corrective and/or positive feedback to student(s) regarding behavior and/or academic performance
• Maintain confidentiality of student records, conversations, discussions and classroom information
• Maintain discipline in the classroom in the absence of the certified teacher for short periods of time
• Participate in required in-service training
• Participate in home visits with certified teacher
• Meet New Mexico Public Education Department competencies for Paraprofessionals
• Perform other assigned duties in a timely basis.

Physical Functions:

• Frequently required to stand, talk, hear and sometime walk and sit
• Occasionally required to lift up to 30 pounds; may lift up to 75 pounds with the help of another employee
• Hand and eye coordination in operating computer, computer panel, grading papers, and writing assignments etc.
• Usually works on even surfaces, may walk on uneven surfaces outdoors
• Exposed to various degrees of noises (talking, attending games, assemblies etc.)
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud
• May work in close proximity of other individuals
• General vision, corrected to 20/20, reads a multitude of records, correspondence and data
• Ability to adjust focus from various school tools to include: (computer, computer panel, written assignments, typed material, lab equipment, art tools and equipment, etc.)

Mental Functions:

• Must be able to:
  Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written and oral form
• Deal with students and parents in such a way to maintain their goodwill
• Respond appropriately to student behavior and discipline
• Respond appropriately to supervision and accept recommendations
• Communicate verbally and in writing in English
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from students; parents, peers and supervisor
• Handle stress, work under pressure of deadlines, interruptions and frustrations
• Handle difficult people and difficult situations; work on conflict resolution and problem solving
• Organize data, information and disseminate to appropriate venue

Essential Equipment:

• Operate phone, fax, computer, scanner, printer, calculator, computer panel, etc.
• Operate a vehicle and hold a valid driver's license