Licensure Requirement: NMPED Level III Educational Assistant License or ability to obtain

There are two Educational Assistants positions open for Valencia Elementary School in a Level 4 classroom.

Summary:

The Special Education Educational Assistant works with individual and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a certificated teacher in the supervision and instruction of students; assisting students by modeling the necessary skills to perform assignments; following educational and specific behavioral plans; modeling appropriate behaviors and interactions with students and staff; and assisting student by providing for special health care needs. Employees in this classification will receive a variety of assignments including classroom support, lunchroom, playground, etc.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Display a desire to work with students.
• Serve as a role model.
• Work as a member of a team.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Assist licensed personnel in school environment where individual differences are respected.
• Respond to students as individuals.
• Help maintain cohesiveness in school environment.
• Assist with supplementary work for students and supervise independent study in the school environment.
• Use current technology for instructional management needs.
• Assist licensed personnel with student discipline.
• Assist in maintaining students’ involvement in appropriate tasks.
• Provide assistance with individualized materials.
• Work cooperatively with colleagues, supervisors, and administrators.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior.
• Engage in self-development.
• Adhere to confidentiality laws and regulations.
• Support the value of an education.
• Respond to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
• Support the philosophy and mission of Portales Municipal School District.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work under supervision of certified teacher(s), prepare for classroom activities.
• Work with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist individual children in need of special attention.
• Guide independent study, enrichment and/ore remedial work setup by the teacher(s).
• Set up audiovisual equipment as directed.
• Assist with reading and/or storytelling.
• Assist small groups of student in the library and other settings.
• Participate in professional development
• Contribute to the welfare and effectiveness of the classroom(s), the school, and the district by adhering to high standards of performance and interpersonal relationships.
• Model acceptable social skills in working with the students, teachers, parent, and supervisors.
• Report unsafe or dangerous surfaces and/or conditions in hallways, restrooms, playgrounds, entrances, and classrooms.
• Respond to the unique needs of the special education student.
• Other tasks as may be deemed appropriate and necessary by the immediate supervisor, the principal, and/or superintendent.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED (Associates Degree or above desirable.)
• Must hold or qualify for a New Mexico Level III Educational Assistant license (minimum of Associates Degree or appropriate college credits or obtain a passing score on the Educational Assistants Examination.
• Demonstrated aptitude for the work to be performed.
• Additional education and/or training desirable.

Physical Requirements:

Sitting, standing, lifting, and carrying (up to 50 lbs), reaching, squatting, kneeling, and moving light furniture may be required.

Safety/Health and Other Requirements:

• Knowledgeable of universal hygiene precautions
• An FBI fingerprint background check will be conducted on all new hires of the Portales Municipal Schools. Continued employment will be contingent upon the results of the background check.

Equipment/Material Handled:

Must know how to properly operate or be willing to operate all multimedia equipment including current technology.

Work Environment:

Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignments without direct supervision. After hours work may be required.