OPES - Instructional Aide; Special Education; SY

Instructional Aide

Provides support in assisting the classroom teacher in the management and instruction of students; performs related tasks as required and directed; all work is performed under the direction and supervision of the classroom teacher and school administration; however, the aide may independently carry out particular aspects of the instructional program which include activities outside of the normal school facility.

Essential Functions:

• Carries out instructional plans as designated by the classroom teacher and if appropriate the student's Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
• Works with the teacher in planning and implementing a program of instruction that adheres to school and division goals and objectives
• Works with the teacher in creating a classroom environment conducive to learning by employing a variety of appropriate teaching and classroom management strategies
• Assists teacher in maintaining a pleasant and orderly classroom environment (e.g., maintain instructional materials, design bulletin boards, assist special education teacher and/or students in clean up activities, etc.)
• Assists teacher in maintaining appropriate level of classroom or bus behavior and control and assist in carrying out student behavior modification plans
• With classroom teacher's knowledge and approval, carries out appropriate discipline of students
• Provides appropriate supervision of students including lunch, recess, non-instructional time and instructional time
• Provides support in obtaining and operating instructional resources needed in the classroom
• Assists students in completion of learning tasks assigned by classroom teachers
• Assists teacher in related instructional activities (e.g., field trips, library, assembly, etc.) as directed
• Assists in physical movement of students from one learning environment to another
• Performs such clerical duties as typing, filing, and duplicating at the direction of classroom teacher
• Under supervision of classroom teacher and/or building principal, assists in maintenance of students' records
• Assists with toileting, feeding, and positioning of students
• Assists with students using assistive devices and supportive technology
• Participates in team meetings
• Assists with medical related duties
• Assist with transportation, including but not limited to loading, unloading, supervision of students on, and riding buses
• Assisting with providing related services, i.e., Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech, Adapted Physical Education, and Vision
• Maintains confidentiality of records and information regarding students, parents, and school employees in accordance with accepted professional ethics and state and federal laws
• Performs other duties as assigned by classroom teacher or principal

Additional Duties:

• May distribute textbooks, supplies or other materials as requested
• Performs other related tasks as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Effective organizational and problem solving skills
• Ability to maintain composure and perform responsibilities under pressure
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work
• Ability to maintain confidentiality about students in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and district guidelines

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Duties performed typically in school settings to include: classroom, gym, cafeteria, auditorium and recreational areas
• Frequent walking, sitting, bending (at knees and waist), standing, lifting up to 40 pounds, occasional lifting of up to 100 pounds with co-worker(s) and other limited physical activities are required
• Occasional travel with students on field trips may be necessary
• Occasional movement of students by wheelchairs and other mechanical devices may be required
• Occasional lifting of equipment weighing up to 50 pounds may be required
• Occasional attendance at parent conferences, building-level meetings and division-wide meetings and training activities beyond normal assigned hours may be necessary
• Daily personal close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required
• Regular contact with other staff members, parents and medical professionals may be required

Education and Experience:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school including basic keyboard and filing training
• Associates Degree, completion of two years of college, or successful completion of the Parapro Assessment required
• Advanced education attainment above high school graduation preferred
• If working with autistic children, must complete any state requirements for such

Evaluation:

Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities. FLSA Status:
Nonexempt