Instructional Assistant

Description

About Us:

Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS) is a mission-driven network of schools founded in partnership with Purdue University. Our vision is to inspire students through STEM-focused, real-world experiences, empowering them to become problem-solvers and skilled achievers who succeed in technical and STEM-related post-secondary programs and high-tech careers. At PPHS, we are committed to academic rigor and providing every student with the resources to succeed in higher education, particularly at institutions of the caliber of Purdue University.

Our core values guide everything we do:

• Act as 1
• Nurture student genius
• Start from Yes
• Do the right thing
• Get it done

Job Summary

Instructional Assistants at Purdue Polytechnic High School provide academic and instructional support to students under the direction of licensed teachers and school leadership.  This role supports student learning through targeted assistance, reinforcement of instruction, and structured academic interventions aligned to classroom instruction and school-wide academic priorities.  

Instructional Assistants do not serve as the primary instructional lead but work collaboratively with educators to help students access curriculum, build foundational skills, and make progress toward academic goals. 

Requirements

Responsibilities & Duties

Instructional and Student Support

• Provide instructional assistance to students during class, personal learning time, and other structured learning periods, as assigned.  
• Support students with assigned coursework, skill practice, and academic tasks aligned to teacher-developed plans.
• Assist teachers with delivery of targeted academic supports, including small-group or individual interventions aligned to core instruction. 
• Reinforce instructional strategies and learning objectives identified by licensed educators. 
• Support flexible grouping and differentiated learning activities to address student learning needs.

Collaboration and Program Support

• Work collaboratively with teachers, instructional staff, and school leadership to support student progress. 
• Participate in planning conversations as appropriate to understand instructional goals, student needs, and intervention strategies. 
• Assist with the implementation of academic supports connected to school-wide initiatives (e.g., MTSS- aligned supports), as directed. 
• Participate in professional learning, staff meetings, and training sessions as required. 

Student Monitoring and Environment

• Monitor student engagement and behavior during assigned learning periods to support a safe, focused learning environment.
• Prepare and maintain records related to attendance, student participation, and academic support activities, as assigned. 
• Ensure student well-being by following health and safety procedures and reporting concerns to appropriate staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with school policies and applicable laws. 

Administrative and Operational Support

• Organize and maintain instructional materials, learning resources, and student support documentation.
• Utilize technology and data systems (e.g., Google Workspace, learning platforms) to support instructional and administrative tasks.
• Support school operations and activities in ways that align with the instructional purpose of the role.  
• Perform other duties as assigned that support student learning and school success. 

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Meets Indiana paraprofessional requirements (minimum 60 semester hours from an accredited institution or passing ParaPro Praxis score).
• 1-2 years of experience working with high school-aged students in an educational or youth-focused setting is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to support student learning in English Language Arts and/or Mathematics.
• Experience with our willingness to learn Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework and intervention strategies.
• Ability to collaborate with teachers and instructional teams.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. 
• Proficiency with technology application used to support instruction and administrative tasks. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while following established instructional guidance. 
• Ability to relate to and support a diverse student population.
• Successful completion of a background check. 

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Employer HSA contribution
• Wellness Reimbursements
• Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Parental Leave
• 403(b) or Teacher Retirement Fund (TRF) retirement plans
• Paid Time Off

Note: Specific assignments, schedules, and focus areas may vary based on campus needs and funding sources. Funding source does not alter the core definition of the Instructional Assistant role. 

Employment Status

Employment at Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS) is at will. This means that employment may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, by either the employee or PPHS, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description or any related document is intended to create a contract of employment, express or implied.