Instructional Aide

Primary Purpose:
Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for academic, physical, social, emotional, and behavioral growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.
To increase the overall performance of students identified as being at risk of dropping out of school

Qualifications: (preferred)
Special Knowledge/Skills: social, emotional, behavioral strategies; Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and other behavioral de-escalation strategies 
Knowledge of academic subjects assigned
General understanding of the roles and responsibilities of student support staff
General understanding of disabilities and the implications of the disability 
Ability to assist students with academic and instructional tasks
Ability to assist students with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:
Employment opportunities that assists individuals with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges and other unique needs

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies
1.    Assist teachersand support staff with the implementation of lessons and strategies that fulfill the requirements of district's curriculum program as required.
2.    Assist with the preparation of lessons that reflect the accommodations and/or modifications for differences in student learning styles.
3.    Assist with the presentation and instruction of subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency (TEA), board policies, and administrative regulations.
4.    Assist with the planning and use of appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and the unique needs of  assigned students.
5.    Assist with overall student learning, personal care, and monitoring of progress in order to enrich instructional and independent activities.
6.    Work cooperatively with general education and special education teachers, other paraprofessionals, and support services staff for the instuctional and behavioral needs for special education students with unique needs according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
7.    Collaborate with other members of staff to implement the instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to individual student unique needs and district requirements.
8.    Adhere to the planning and supervision of assignments and responsibilities assigned by teachers and administrators.
9.    Use technology to strengthen the teaching and learning process.

Student Growth and Development
10.    Help students analyze and improve study methods and habits; Help students to navigate through with emotional, social, and behavioral challenges.
11.    Assist with ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
12.    Assist with activities as assigned and approved by the district and campus administrators and supervising teacher 
13.    Be a positive role model for students and the support mission of school district.

Classroom Management and Organization
14.    Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
15.    Assist with the management of student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
16.    Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
17.    Assist with the completion in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication
18.    Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
19.    Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
20.    Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Professional Growth and Development
21.    Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
22.    Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for paraprofessionals and teachers.
23.    Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents .
24.    Attend and participate in faculty meetings and trainings and serve on staff committees as required.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. 

Position Purpose

-  Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

Essential Job Functions
-  Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
-  Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
-  Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
-  Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
-  Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
-  Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
-  Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising and monitoring the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
-  Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
-  Constructs, copies and distribute and use educational materials as needed.
-  Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
-  Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusive learning and adacemic achievement if IEP objectives, etc.
-  Participates in the IEP process and serves as resource for the student instructional personnel team as needed.
-  Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
-  Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Additional Duties:
-  Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
-  Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Note:   The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment
-  Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
-  Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
-  Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
-  Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
-  Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
-  Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
-  Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
-  Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
-  Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
-  Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
-  Works in standard office, classroom, and school building environments.
-  Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
 

Qualifications Profile
-  Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.  Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
-  High School diploma or equivalent.
-  Prior experience working with children with special needs, desirable.