Summary

Contributes to a well-organized, smooth-functioning class environment where students can fully utilize the instructional program and available resources. Helps the professional staff meet their instructional objectives by assisting individual students and small groups under the specific direction of teachers.

Essential Functions

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Prepare for classroom instructional events and other educational activities under the guidance of a certified teacher.
   1. Assists the teacher in implementing unique strategies and interventions developed by the teacher for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
   2. Serves as a resource person for the student(s) in communicating with the teachers regarding specific instruction with students relative to a particular goal attainment.
2. Work with individuals and small groups of students to:
   1. Reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
   2. Assist with self-help and independence skills, including toileting/diapering, lifting/transfers, feeding, and seizure procedures.             
   3. Implement remedial and review exercises, as well as practice and drill work as outlined by the teacher.
   4. Aid independent study, enrichment, or remedial work as provided by the teacher.
   5. Help students master instructional tasks assigned by teachers.
   6. Assist in test taking, tape-recording books, and reading to students; Assist in test taking, reading to students, and the operation of any adaptive equipment needed by the students, such as audio recordings, voice amplification devices, messaging devices, hearing aids and FM systems, and visual magnification systems.
   7. Assist in assessment activities to collect and document objective information about student performance on specific tasks.
   8. Observe and make notes of the observation on student performance or learning behaviors, such as listening to students read or other activities related to developing oral communication skills.
   9. Implement curriculum modifications or accommodations designed by professional staff.
   10. When necessary: Accompanies assigned student(s) assigned to lunch, recess, nurse's office, Related Services, and special classes, such as physical education, art, and music.
   11. When necessary: Assists student(s) with physical tasks if there is a difficulty.
3. Assist teachers with non-instructional duties, such as:
   1. Attendance checking
   2. Classroom supervision of students in preparation for lunch, bus loading and unloading, cleanup, and play periods.
   3. Escorting and supervising the movement of students throughout the school.
   4. Checking books and materials, correcting papers, proctoring testing, and providing make-up work assistance.
   5. Assists with maintaining student records as appropriate, including using technology employed by the District.
   6. Performs clerical duties related to classroom organization and instruction.
4. Other responsibilities:
   1. Maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, staff, and families.
   2. Knows state child protection laws, rules and regulations, and school policies regarding reporting child abuse/neglect.
   3. Uses standard spoken English appropriately, Including reading and comprehending passages written in English.
   4. Uses language, style, organization, and format appropriate to the subject matter, purpose, and audience.
   5. Respects the influence that families have on childhood learning and development.
   6. Understands the necessity of being sensitive to diversity in cultural heritages, lifestyles, and value systems among children, youth, and families.
   7. Respect the value of constructive criticism and respond effectively to recommendations and requests to modify performance/behavior.
   8. Fulfill the punctuality, reliability, and responsibility requirements regarding school-level and district policies, procedures, and regulations.
5. Assist in the administrative duties of the school during regular school hours, including such duties as:
   1. Supervising students passing in the corridors and during fire drills and assemblies.
   2. Assisting students in situations other than their regular assignment as requested by the teacher.
   3. Assignment by the principal to additional administrative duties ( e.g., lunchroom, recess, and playground duties).
   4. Providing substitute coverage for classroom teachers to attend meetings.
6. Set up and operate instructional technology equipment under the direction of the teacher.                                                                                                                                                                        
7. Participate in available professional development activities appropriate to district expectations.
8. Perform other duties consistent with the position assigned as requested by the Principal or Director of Student Services.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of college, an Associate's degree, or a high school diploma. Demonstrated proficiency in the assessment of knowledge and ability to instruct in reading, writing, and mathematics. Ability to develop positive relationships with young people and to work well with school staff members. General understanding of how children learn and the social and emotional needs of children. Such alternatives to the above as the administration may deem appropriate and acceptable.

Knowledge, Ability, Skill

Knowledge: Knowledge of the applicable laws, rules, regulations, and procedural safeguards that must be observed in educational environments as they relate to the area of assignment. 

Ability: Demonstrated ability to: maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, staff, and families, and the legal rights and responsibilities of school staff and students; use effective problem solving, engage in flexible thinking, employ appropriate conflict management techniques, and analyze personal strengths and preferences; clearly communicate thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in both spoken and written language; prepare and organize materials to support teaching and learning.

Skills: Skill in maintaining student records, including using any technology employed by the district; Seeking help from appropriate sources as necessary; assisting students to use study skill strategies; reinforcing skills presented by the teacher, using a variety of technologies, including assistive technologies, to help students learn concepts and skills.

Supervision 

Received: Works under the general direction of assigned teacher(s), Case Manager, Special Education Building Coordinator, and Building Principal

Exercised: None

Responsibility: Contributes to a well-organized, smooth-functioning class environment where students can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resources. Helps the professional staff meet their instructional objectives by assisting individual students and small groups under the specific direction of teachers.

Job Environment

The employee will have access to confidential information related to their assignments and is expected to maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times.

Physical Requirements

(The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.)

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. Supervising students may require the ability to move at a pace consistent with student activity and, at times, respond quickly to ensure student safety. Regular requirements include seeing, speaking, listening, and hearing; as well as using hands to handle, manipulate, or feel objects and tools.

The employee must operate equipment relevant to the subject area, including but not limited to computers and related accessories, telephones, copiers, and fax machines. Additional physical activities include reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, or crouching. Occasionally, the employee may be required to move equipment and supplies.

Specific vision abilities necessary for this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the organization and requirements of the position evolve.)

Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer