Instructional Assistant

Summary/Objective

To provide students under direct supervision a quality educational program that is appropriate for their ability, growth, and personal characteristics, while supporting the overall instructional program of the school. The Instructional Assistant works as a teacher’s aide, assisting with lesson delivery, managing materials, supporting behavior management, and tutoring individuals or groups of students.

Responsibilities

• Teach social skills/social thinking and model appropriate behaviors such as patience, persistence, and self-control
• Supervise students during transitions, lunch, recess, bus duty, dismissal, assemblies, field trips, and guest speaker events
• Maintain observation records as directed by teachers or administration
• Provide accurate and timely information as requested by teacher or administration
• Immediately report dangerous behaviors or unsafe environments to the School Director or administration
• Report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect through proper channels
• Provide teachers with input regarding student behavior, academic performance, and IEP progress
• Communicate student concerns with teacher or staff as needed
• Proctor during student assessments
• Participate in appropriate staff development activities for professional growth
• Attend and support after-school functions, such as open houses, conferences, or meetings
• Assist teachers and the School Director in maintaining a clean and safe school environment
• Perform any other tasks or activities as directed by the administration
• Participate in creating an inviting and positive learning environment
• Encourage proper care and usage of equipment, furnishings, and materials
• Be receptive to new ideas and demonstrate enthusiasm for teaching and learning
• Demonstrate proper use of written and spoken communication
• Teach and reinforce social thinking and social skills
• Assist teachers in the implementation of instructional activities and securing necessary materials and equipment
• Establish and maintain positive rapport with students and staff
• Uphold and model school rules
• Implement and support the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) behavior system
• Track student behavior data as needed
• Help maintain a positive and productive classroom environment
• Interact with Summit Academy staff in a professional and respectful manner
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and school stakeholders
• Maintain positive public relations with parents, community members, and stakeholders

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional school environment and routinely uses standard office and classroom equipment.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and drive. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and distance vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This position follows the School/Teacher calendar and may require work outside of standard operating hours.

Travel

Travel may be required for professional development, training, or meetings.

Minimum Employment Requirements

• Two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 semester or 72 quarter hours), or an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution, or passing score on the Praxis II test for Paraprofessionals.
• Must obtain and maintain an Educational Aide Permit through the Ohio Department of Education.
• Successful completion of appropriate criminal records checks through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• Demonstrated strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student records and school business.

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities. Duties may change at any time with or without notice. All other responsibilities as set forth by the Supervisor and CEO of Summit Academy Management.