Instructional Assistant

ABOUT ASPIRE

Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high-performing, college preparatory charter schools serving TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998—in an effort to transform the inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that our communities persist through—Aspire is one of the largest and most forward‑thinking open‑enrollment public charter school systems in the nation.

The Instructional Assistant supports classroom teacher(s) in providing a high quality, personalized education program for students. S/he works during the school day and/or the after school program. The ideal candidate for this position is a recent college graduate who has an interest in pursuing a career as an educator.

• Support classroom systems/procedures and help manage student behavior to ensure all students are fully engaged in learning
• Develop and implement lesson plans and classroom activities consistent with California State Standards and Aspire Instructional Guidelines
• Assess students regularly in accordance with Aspire guidelines and analyze assessment data
• Collaborate with Aspire team members to improve own and others’ instructional practices; share best practices

• Help classroom teacher(s) provide students and their families with regular and timely information on classroom activities and student progress
• May help track critical student information and maintain accurate student records, including attendance, in accordance with Aspire procedures
• Identify unique student needs and collaborate with other team members and outside service providers to diagnose and address learning challenges
• Assist with planning and executing differentiated instruction for students with a variety of needs, including: parallel teaching, small group and/or one‑on‑one instruction.
• Teach students in the after school program, especially intervention and acceleration for students below grade level
• Support a school‑wide culture of high expectations that includes college preparation for all students; work with College and Academic Counselor to support students with academic progress and college application processes
• Teach or co‑teach Advisory class with the objective of developing students’ character and habits
• Actively participate in professional development activities, including training sessions and working with lead teacher, principal, instructional coaches
• Work towards career as an educator, which may include enrolling in teacher credential program
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Aspire Public Schools mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

• Knowledge of child cognitive development and different learning styles
• Ability and willingness to implement Aspire Instructional Guidelines and Best Practices
• Ability and willingness to reflect and improve
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate with colleagues, parents and community

• Associate’s degree or successful completion of 48 units of college credit or passing of Paraprofessional Test
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Teaching, or related field preferred

• Stand, walk or bend over, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, grasp, push, and pull. Move, lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds to shoulder height
• Repetitive use of hands (i.e. fine manipulation, simple grasping, and power grasping)
• Demonstrate normal depth perception
• Sitting, walking or standing for extended periods of time
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, operate standard office equipment, and use a telephone
• See and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids
• Hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone with or without auditory aids

• 1+ year working with students as a teacher, teacher intern, or teaching assistant preferred

• Clear the Department of Justice background screening
• Authorized to work in…