Instructional Assistant

Job Posting: Instructional Assistant

Department: General Education
Classification: Instructional Assistants
FTE: 0.5 (4 hours/day)
Contract Days: 182 days
Supervised By: Principal or designee

General Description

The Instructional Assistant (IA) provides instructional and classroom support to teachers and students in a general education setting. Under the supervision of a licensed teacher, the IA assists in the delivery of educational activities, supports student engagement, and helps maintain an orderly and inclusive classroom environment. In addition to instructional support, the IA is responsible for supervising students during non-instructional times such as recess, lunch, and transitions between activities or locations, helping to ensure student safety and appropriate behavior throughout the school day.

Essential Functions

• Assist the classroom teacher in implementing instructional plans and activities that align with grade-level standards and learning objectives, adapting support to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Assist teachers and other school personnel with routine tasks such as making copies, organizing materials, preparing instructional resources, and setting up classroom activities to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Work with students individually or in small groups to reinforce skills, clarify concepts, and provide guided practice under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Build respectful, developmentally appropriate relationships with students, encouraging positive behavior and engagement while upholding classroom norms and expectations.
• Interact with students using trauma-informed approaches and cultural awareness, demonstrating sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and experiences in all interactions.
• Actively monitor and engage with students during recess, lunch, arrival, dismissal, and transitions between classes, ensuring student safety and reinforcing respectful, inclusive conduct.
• Maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions with students, staff, and families.
• Handle student information and records with discretion and in accordance with district policies and applicable laws.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality to ensure continuity of support for students and effective collaboration with the classroom teacher and school team.
• Communicate regularly with the supervising teacher and other school staff.
• Participate in relevant training or professional development to support student learning and well-being.

Job Qualifications

Education/Training

• Associate's degree or a minimum of 72 college/university quarter credits (required).
• Certification as a highly qualified paraprofessional may be substituted for the education requirement.
• Possess or be willing to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.

Work Experience

• Demonstrated experience working effectively with children and adults is required.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with children or youth in an educational, childcare, or community setting is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of fundamental academic concepts in math, literacy, and English language development, with the ability to support students' understanding and reinforce instruction across core subject areas.
• Thorough knowledge of school routines, behavioral expectations, and classroom procedures.
• General knowledge of basic child development principles and age-appropriate practices.
• General knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices that support student well-being and inclusion.
• General knowledge of FERPA, mandated reporting laws, and confidentiality requirements in a school setting.
• Skill in building positive, supportive relationships with students while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Skill in using positive behavior support techniques and conflict resolution strategies.
• Skill in communicating clearly and respectfully with students, staff, and families.
• Skill in managing time effectively, multitasking, and following routines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to listen to, read, identify, and understand written and spoken information, ideas, and speech.
• Ability to see details at close range and at a distance.
• Ability to recognize when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work is performed primarily in a classroom setting, with frequent supervision of students in outdoor and common areas. May be exposed to varying weather conditions during outdoor supervision. Requires the ability to stay calm and maintain professionalism in a busy school environment, multitask, and support students with a variety of academic and behavioral needs. Work involves being in close physical proximity to children, including students who may be dysregulated.

• Physical activities include standing, walking, sitting, twisting, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and pushing or pulling.
• Medium Work: Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Equity and Inclusion Statement

Canby School District is an equal opportunity employer and educator. It is the policy of the Canby School District Board of Education and School District that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, national origin, age or disability in any educational programs, activities or employment.

For more information, please visit our Prospective Employee Information page or view the full job description.