PARAPROFESSIONAL/TEACHING ASSISTANT

Purpose Statement

The job of Paraprofessional/Teaching Assistant was established for the purpose/s of working with individual and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a certificated teacher in the supervision and instruction of students; monitoring students; and providing clerical support to teacher. This job reports to Teacher/Principal

Essential Functions

• Assists other personnel for the purpose of contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of the school and classroom.
• Assists students, individually or in small groups, with lesson assignments (e.g. reading stories, listening to students reading, facilitating activities, motor perception programs, colors, number charts, checks homework, etc.) for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts and reaching their academic goals and potential.
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Implements instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of assisting the teacher in improving students' academic success through a defined course of study.
• Maintains classroom equipment, work area, students files/records (e.g. adapting instructional materials, cleaning work area, taking attendance, checking homework, grading papers, audio visual equipment, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.
• Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. classroom, playground, cafeteria, library, field trips, in house suspension/recovery room, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs record keeping and clerical functions (e.g. copying, correcting papers, attendance, phone calls, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher and/or in providing necessary records/materials.
• Promotes good habits for the purpose of improving the quality of students outcome and encouraging student development.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read and follow instructions; and understand multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: concepts of grammar and punctuation; stages of child development and learning styles; and age appropriate activities.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others; and operating within a defined budget.  There is some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 34% sitting, 33% walking, and 33% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.

Experience      Job related experience is desired.

Education       Targeted job related education that meets organization’s prerequisite requirements.

Equivalency     None Specified

Required Testing                                                             Certificates & Licenses

Minimum of 2 year college degree in any area, or 60 hours of college work, or passing score on the Paraprofessional exam required.

FLSA Status                                                                         

Non Exempt