Educational Assistant-SBES

A high school diploma or equivalent.

Utilization of instructional assistants should enable teachers to devote a greater percentage of the school day to the direct instruction of students. To realize the maximum benefit from these assistants, the following qualifications are recommended for those employed to fill the positions:

Previous experience working with youth is frequently preferred.

Strong communication skills (reading, writing, speaking English), patience, and the ability to work with diverse student populations.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Assists the teachers in classroom or other educational setting; oversees, monitors, or conducts classes during the temporary absence of teachers; assists teachers in setting up and conducting various class activities and projects; works with and assists students during class activities and projects; prepares instructional materials for classroom use; copies materials for use by teachers; sets up audio/visual equipment for viewing of films/videos; assists in administering and grading tests; assists in evaluating student performance and skill levels; creates bulletin boards, displays, or wall decorations; and assists with cleanup activities.
2. Provides tutoring or one-on-one assistance to students in basic educational skills; assists students with word study, spelling, sentence writing, reading, math, science, physical education, or other areas; utilizes computerized instruction programs and selects appropriate reading levels; instructs students in individual sports or exercising techniques as appropriate; assists with development of lesson plans
3. Monitors students in cafeteria, auditorium, halls, bus zones, or other common areas; organizes groups of students upon arrival/departure; seats students in appropriate areas; assists in cleaning tables or spills; chaperones students during field trips.
4. Monitors behavior/activities of students; mediates disputes between students; handles situations involving excessive noise, disruptive behavior, or other problems; initiates disciplinary action per prescribed policies; monitors students in an isolated environment during detention.
5. Performs clerical tasks in support of teaching activities, office operations, or other school functions; answers telephone calls, provides information, or records messages; enters and retrieves various data into student records manually or via computer system; transfers student records to/from other schools; generates various reports; copies, laminates and/or assembles various documentation; mails letters to notify parents of meetings; organizes/distributes materials for school pictures, school sales, or other projects; sends/receives faxes; sorts/distributes mail; orders supplies for office or school bookstore; assists with routine tasks in the library or other school functions.
6. Performs miscellaneous tasks as needed; checks students for possible illness; administers basic first aid to sick/injured students; contacts parents regarding sick children, student detentions/suspensions, needed supplies, or other issues; makes announcements over public announcement system; assists parents with dismissal of children from school.
7. Prepares and receives various documents pertaining to student instruction and school operations, including forms, reports, correspondence, logs, lesson plans, progress reports, charts, instructional materials, policies and procedures manuals, reference material, enrollment records, attendance records, or other documents; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
8. Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, academic instruction, or other programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner; coordinates service/repair activities as needed.
9. Operates various equipment and tools associated with projects and work activities, which may include a printer, fax machine, copy machine, laminator, paper cutter, die cut machine, television, VCR, filmstrip projector, tape recorders, public announcement system, intercom, telephone, calculator, fans, heaters, sports paraphernalia, or art supplies.
10. Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, school officials, teachers, students, parents, vendors, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
11. Attends staff meetings, PTA meetings, parent meetings, M-Team meetings, or other meetings as needed.
12. Assignment to the computer reading lab involves monitoring, assisting, and instructing students with the operation of the computers and reading assistance software applications: develops lesson plans in conjunction with the reading program; troubleshoots and resolves routine computer problems, requesting technical support as needed; and monitors student conduct to ensure discipline and orderly behavior.
13. Instructional assistants shall assist classroom teachers in keeping records as required by legislation, the State Board of Education, or the Department of Education; and those records deemed necessary at the local level.
14. Building principal shall have the responsibility of assigning general fund instructional assistans to non-instructional supervision of students which may include, but is not limited to: (TCA 49-2-303(b)(6): Lunchroom duty, bus duty, recess or playground duty, before or after school duty, or other related activities.
15. Instructional assistants may work with students in instructional activities; however, assistants must at all times be under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher. (TCA 49-2-203(a)(1) Assistants may not be used in lieu of the teacher to provide instruction, but may be used in the implementation of the lesson plan as the teacher deems appropriate.
16. Instructional assistants should assist teachers in preparing for instruction, including, but not limited to, making materials, determining procedures, and developing lesson plans.
17. Instructional assistants may administer and score tests including, but not limited to, screening instruments, placement tests, mastery learning tests, and achievement tests, which do not require professional training and expertise. Assistants should be trained in proper testing procedure and should at all times be under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher or other trained professional.
18. Instructional assistants may assist teachers in establishing and maintaining a learning environment that is conducive to academic progress. Assistants should be knowledgeable of classroom rules and procedures and should be trained in the utilization of techniques which promote time on task and appropriate classroom behavior. Assistants shall follow the same discipline plan of the school and shall administer consequences (both positive and negative) only as direxcted by the classroom teacher building principal

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

1. Conducts various errands as needed.
2. Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
3. Performs other related duties as required.