Instructional Assistant - for Special Education Classroom in Newport

Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individual or small groups; monitors and report student progress. Instructional assistant incumbents assist a certificated teacher by performing a variety of support functions in a regular classroom setting.

Essential functions, Duties and Responsibilities:

• Tutor individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing and implementing instruction as directed by the teacher; maintain records of student progress.
• Participate as a member of an instructional team including remediation teams.
• Prepare and organize lessons as directed by the teacher; administer and score a variety of tests according to established guidelines; assist in determining English proficiency of identified students.
• Assist in administering diagnostic and other tests; score and record test information.
• Monitor and report behaviour of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behaviour; check and assist students with lab work as necessary.
• Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional and classroom materials; operate copy machines; maintain classroom records; maintain attendance records.
• Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating audio-visual equipment, operating educational training equipment and distributing and collecting paper and supplies.
• Assist in overseeing students while in labs; provide for supplies inventory as necessary.
• Assist students by providing proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance.
• Confer, as needed, with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs.
• Contact parents of students who are absent; make home visits as necessary.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations.
• Direct group activities of students as assigned; assist in monitoring lunchroom and playground activities as assigned; assist in emergency drills, assemblies, play periods and field trips.
• Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Basic subjects taught in the District schools, including math, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.

Ability to:

• Learn child guidance principles and practices.
• Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the public including members of ethnic communities.
• Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
• Print and write legibly.
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Monitor, observe and report student's behaviour according to approved policies and procedures.

Physical Demands: The work requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations. The work at times requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching, with the ability to lift, carry, push or pull light weights.

Qualifications:

• Passing score on the KY Para-educator Assessment or 48 college hours.
• High school diploma or G.E.D., preferred.
• Demonstrated competent language skills.
• Successful experience working with children, individually or in groups, including ability to read and understand meanings of words and ideas associated with them and to use them effectively.

Days Worked and Salary: 186-day contract. Classified salary schedule approved by the Newport Board of Education.