Teacher Assistant - SUBSTITUTES

Teacher Assistant Position

Core Qualifications for ALL Teacher Assistants:

• Be of good character.
• Hold a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED)
• Meet Rhode Island Teacher Assistant requirements:
• An Associate's Degree or beyond in any area, OR
• Two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 college credits), OR
• Meet the standard of performance set by the State of Rhode Island on the Para Pro Test, AND
• Complete a State of Rhode Island Approved Teacher Assistant Training course.
• Demonstrated aptitude for working with a special needs population through evidence of the individual's ability to perform the responsibilities listed below related to the teacher assistant position for which they are applying.
• Ability to perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or their designee in order to meet the specific needs of the Pawtucket School District and its students.
• Must hold and maintain CPI certification.

This job description applies to Teacher Assistants in the following assignments:

• In a special education Early Learning classroom (Pre-kindergarten 2nd grade), including teacher assistants in inclusive models;
• Who work with students with significant intellectual impairments and/or needs related to autism spectrum disorders;
• In a community-based setting (e.g., a job coach, assisting student in learning daily living skills) serving students with transition goals (ages 14-21 );
• Who work with students who are medically fragile and/or multi-handicapped;
• Who work with students with behaviors that interfere with learning and/or relationships;
• Who work with students who are English language Learners;
• Who support multiple classrooms including any other the assignments above.

Reports To:

• Principal or their designee;
• Teacher instructing assigned classroom;
• Instructional Team (IEP, Section 504, MTSS/RTI or ELL)

Job Goal:
To work as part of an Instructional Team along with teachers and related services personnel in assisting in the implementation and data collection of program activities to ensure high levels of learning and performance for identified students

Performance Responsibilities:

The following performance responsibilities are based on the RI Program Standards for Teacher Assistants. They apply equally to all instructional settings in which teacher assistants work in the Pawtucket School District.

1.1 exhibit an understanding of the different programs that exist in your learning environment and the distinctions among the roles and responsibilities of relevant professional and paraprofessional personnel throughout the year (noting any changes).

1.2 demonstrate an understanding of school policies and procedures.

1.3 exhibit attributes of reliable attendance, promptness, and dependability.

1.4 use a cooperative approach by working as an effective team member.

1.5 respect confidentiality and other professional ethics.

1.6 exhibit sensitivity and understanding of individual and cultural differences.

1.7 provide an appropriate role model for students in areas of dress, language, and behavior.

1.8 use effective communication skills with students, colleagues, families and related agencies (spoken, written and non-verbal):

a. to plan with team members;

b. to review student needs and concerns; and

c. to report student performance.

1.9 select and use the appropriate channels for resolving concerns.

1.10 demonstrate a knowledge of the legal and human rights of students and their families.

1.11 engage in planning for communication and collaboration.

1.12 share professional strategies, techniques, and materials within the school or district.

1.13 participate in on-going professional development specific to classroom needs.

1.14 provide/receive information from school personnel and related agencies through the teacher assistant's supervisor to related programs and personnel, such as: school nurse, school psychologist, Office of Rehabilitation (ORS), Probation Officer, student employers, mental health counselors.

1.15 assist the teacher in communicating with parents of students via phone calls, meetings, school/home notebooks, etc. with teacher approval or direction and supervision.

1.16 assist in the planning and implementation of school-wide activities to support the educational programming of all students.

1.17 attend monthly staff meetings to obtain program information and participate in goal-setting for school-wide activities.

2.1 assist teachers in implementing IEP goals, 504 accommodations, and ELL accommodations aligned to appropriate RI Standards and assessments:
Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS) and Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) assessment; RI Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Partnership for…