2025-26 Educational Assistant - Vocational - Part-Time - 7.0 hpd - Thurston High School

Springfield Public Schools seeks outstanding applicants for the position of Educational Assistant - Vocational at Thurston High School. This individual in this position undertakes a variety of tasks in support of, and preparation for, the educational process as well as duties of instructional assistance to the teacher in a school setting.  The position facilitates the smooth operation of the vocational education setting in woodshop and metals classrooms by attending to details which assist the teacher and student(s). 

Essential Functions

Essential duties of this position include the following.  Employees in this position perform some or all of the following tasks.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Under direct supervision of a licensed teacher, provides supplemental practice for various learning experiences, including drills and activities using effective strategies to reinforce and or modify skills specific to the Vocational Education Setting (woodshop, welding, electronics, machine/metals).
• Collect, sort and correct lessons and tests; record grades in ledger; redistribute as necessary; file classroom materials.
• Completes required District logs, forms, and paperwork as required.
• Provides direct assistance to student’s behavioral, academic, and/or personal needs.
• Maintains student discipline in the absence of the teacher.
• Assists students with behavior management, including de-escalation, conflict resolution, and adherence to school behavioral expectations.
• Assists students in developing positive interpersonal relationships with peers and adults.
• Assesses and records student academic and behavior measures.
• Provides ongoing training and proactive assistance to students in relation to meeting academic and behavioral expectations.
• Provides proactive supervision of students in a variety of settings.
• Performs setting up and taking down of materials, supplies, and equipment to support the behavioral and academic success of students.
• Evaluates student injuries and performs first aid when necessary.
• Assists in planning and implementing learning experiences for students.
• Attends in-service trainings and staff meetings as directed.
• May assist with attendance, attendance monitoring, and attendance reporting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Associates degree or higher (attach diploma); OR
• Completion of two years post-secondary study consisting of 72 credit hours, 48 semester units (attach transcripts); OR
• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) AND
• Meet a rigorous standard of quality, and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment or para-professional certificate program, knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, as appropriate, reading/language arts, writing and mathematics or reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration & Other Requirements

• Ability to obtain and hold a valid First Aid/CPR card and pass Safe Schools training modules as assigned;
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Related experience in vocational educational setting.
• Experience in woodworking, cabinet making and/or construction.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (May be acquired through education, training, and/or experience.)

Knowledge of: District policies and procedures; vocational classroom procedures; letter writing, correct language usage; telephone and record keeping/filing systems; computer hardware and software programs and their usage; modern office equipment; safety and first aid practices and procedures.

Skills to: apply student de-escalation strategies in a variety of unique situations and environments; transition smoothly from one task to another within a school day; assist with management and supervision of students and their work in the vocational classroom setting.

Ability to: understand and apply District and school policies and procedures; maintain appropriate appearance and attire; maintain attendance standards as outlined in OSEA bargaining agreement; greet stakeholders; provide information pertaining to area and/or District/School policies, procedures and other pertinent information; operate and maintain equipment; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work and from diverse backgrounds; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; utilize appropriate grammar and spelling when corresponding, make mathematical calculations accurately; follow oral and written instructions; practice cultural competency and demonstrate respect for diversity.

Work Direction, Lead & Supervisory Responsibilities

No assigned permanent staff to supervise.  May train and provide work directions, as directed by supervisor, to appropriate staff and volunteers.

Physical Effort

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally maneuver up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus and peripheral vision.

Working Conditions

Vocational classroom environment.  The employee may be exposed to bodily fluids, blood borne pathogens, sick and/or contagious students. The employee may be exposed to toxic chemicals (for disinfecting) and outdoor weather conditions.  The employee may be exposed to wood dust, noisy machinery, and fumes associated with a vocational environment.

Salary : $18 - $24