Paraeducator - Classroom Assistant

RECRUITMENT DETAILS

The eligibility list will be used to fill both Substitute and Long Term Substitute positions.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the general supervision of a certificated teacher and/or site administrator, assists the teacher by providing instructional support to individuals and small groups of elementary students in regular classrooms, monitors and reports student progress regarding performance and behavior and provides clerical and other support assistance related to instructional activities. The Instructional Assistant Classroom also assists elementary students in becoming successful in their academic, social and emotional development.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Positions in the Paraeducator-Classroom Assistant classification are established to assist certificated teachers in creating successful learning opportunities for students in regular classrooms. Incumbents perform their duties with initiative and independent judgment within standardized procedures as directed by the classroom teacher. Incumbents serve as assistants to the teacher. The full responsibility for appropriate instruction, training, instructional materials and evaluation procedures remains with the teacher.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works with students in small groups and/or on an individual basis in regular classrooms to instruct, reinforce and follow up on learning activities.

• Assists in the preparation, modification and implementation of lesson plans, instructional materials and learning aids as directed by the teacher, including scoring student reports and papers; and administering, monitoring and scoring a variety of tests (this does not include the administration of standardized assessment measures).

• Observes students and assists in the supervision and modeling of appropriate student behavior through positive reinforcement techniques and implementation of a teacher designed behavior management system.

• Confers with teachers concerning student progress and to determine programs, activities and materials to meet individual student needs.

• Performs clerical support duties, such as preparing, typing and copying instructional materials; recording grades; preparing and maintaining student files, and records as necessary, including confidential records; and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.

• Operates and assists students in the operation of a variety of instructional aids, media, and computer terminals and software programs.

• Provides support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating VCR, movie, slide, film strip and overhead projectors and other audio-visual equipment; and maintaining cassettes, tapes, etc.

• Participates in staff meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

Any length of experience working with school age children.

Education:

Graduation from High School or GED required. Completion of at least two years of study (48 units) at an institution of higher education, or Associates or higher degree highly desirable.

JOB COMPETENCIES: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic needs, characteristics and behavior of children and adolescents.

• Correct English usage, spelling, vocabulary, syntax, grammar and punctuation.

• Basic arithmetical concepts.

• Routine record keeping.

ABILITY TO:

• Be aware of and sensitive to the needs of all children, their cultures, languages, life styles and capabilities.

• Establish rapport with and gain the confidence of children and students.

• Learn basic teaching techniques and methods.

• Read, write and communicate effectively for the needs of the grade level(s) to which assigned.

• Learn safe practices and procedures for classroom and campus activities.

• Learn growth and development patterns of children and adolescents.

• Acquire a firm working knowledge of subjects taught in grade level(s) to which assigned.

• Learn to utilize appropriate instructional media and materials.

• Operate or learn to operate appropriate instructional media, materials, a computer terminal and use appropriate software.

• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

• Read and comprehend instructional and related materials.

• Maintain confidentiality of matters related to students.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the normal course of work.

• Be flexible.