Substitute​/Limited Term Instructional Assistant - General Education; TK & Elementary

Position Summary

Substitute / Limited Term Instructional Assistant – Gen. Ed. (TK & Elementary) position requiring assistance to certified teachers in class instruction, behavior monitoring, and support of student learning across core subjects.

Applications will be screened and candidates whose backgrounds best match the position requirements will be invited to a competitive exam. An optional Para educator Multiple Choice Exam (PMC) may be required. Candidates can waive the PMC if they have:

• Two or more years of college coursework (unofficial/official transcripts MUST be uploaded at the time of application)
• Passed CBEST results
• Have a Associate’s Degree or higher
• Have completed at least 2 years of study at a post‑secondary institution

All applicants require official, sealed transcripts and proof of CBEST passing. Unofficial transcripts are not acceptable.

Minimum qualifications include:

• One year experience working with children in an organized setting
• Valid four‑year degree and CBEST pass for Step 6 placement; applicants without a qualifying position with PUSD start at Step 1

• Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individual or small groups
• Tutor students in assigned subject matters while monitoring progress and behavior
• Prepare and organize instructional materials per grade level and lesson plans
• Administer, monitor and score a variety of tests and explain instructions as needed
• Prepare and maintain student records and cumulative files
• Support daily activities, set up work areas, distribute and collect supplies, and assist with project materials
• Assure student health and safety by following established practices
• Direct group activities, monitor lunchroom and playground activities, and accompany students on field trips
• Recruit, train, advise volunteer staff and record attendance
• Operate computers, office equipment, instructional and audio‑visual equipment
• Participate in staff meetings and in‑service training programs
• Provide guidance to volunteers as needed and perform related duties as assigned

One year experience working with children in an organized setting.

Knowledge of:

• Child guidance principles and practices
• Basic subjects taught in district schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language, and reading
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities
• Basic instructional methods and techniques
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
• Oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Basic record‑keeping techniques
• Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct
• Operation of office machines and keyboard equipment

Ability to:

• Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups
• Help students improve reading, writing, vocabulary, math, computer skills, and other subject areas
• Monitor and report student progress regarding behavior and performance
• Tutor students in assigned subject matters
• Print and write legibly
• Perform basic arithmetic accurately and quickly
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties
• Communicate effectively with children and adults
• Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Operate instructional and office equipment

Environment: Classroom or other learning environment.

Physical Demands: Hearing and speaking to exchange information; seeing to monitor students and read materials; bending, kneeling or crouching to assist students; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard; sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

The Poway Unified School District is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these characteristics.