Instructional Assistant

BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of limited or non-English speaking students in a classroom environment by translating written materials and oral lectures; translate for teachers or non-English speaking parents as needed. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Provide primary language assistance to English Language Learners (ELL); provide supplementary instruction for students; tutor individual or small groups of students in need of additional assistance; assist with testing activities including administering and scoring tests. Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of limited or non-English speaking students in all core subjects; translate for teachers or non-English speaking parents as needed. Provide assistance in English Language Arts and English Language Development (ELD); assist students reading comprehension, academic vocabulary, letter and word pronunciation and recognition; assist students with spelling and writing, and classroom assignments. Perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials; grade student tests and assignments; record grades; maintain student records and files as assigned. Provide classroom support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays, distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials. Operate a variety of classroom and office equipment such as copiers, document cameras, paper cutters, laminators, computers and assigned software. Assist students in English language acquisition including reading, writing, listening and speaking with the goal of reclassification to fluent English proficient as quickly as possible. Provide support in the English Language Development curriculum and CELDT preparation. Assure student understanding of classroom rules and procedures; assist students in answering questions, providing proper examples, while displaying a friendly, caring attitude toward the students. Provide frequent positive and encouraging feedback to ELL students that will help them take risks and feel capable and comfortable in the learning environment. Observe and control behavior of students in the classroom according to approved classroom procedures; monitor students during outdoor activities as directed; oversee groups of students in lunchroom, recess and other playground activities as assigned; report progress regarding student performance and behavior. Assure the health and safety of students by following established practices and procedures; maintain learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner; clean, set up, and assist the teacher in organizing and setting out instructional materials. Attend meetings and in-services as assigned. Serve as an interpreter for parent conferences, Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings and telephone calls as needed; translate written communications and send to parents as directed. Perform related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience: Equivalent to graduation from high school, plus complete two years of study at an institution of higher education (college level) or forty-eight (48) semester units, including a math and an English class or obtain an Associate's degree or higher ; good general background and work experience, including one year of paid or volunteer experience working with school-age children desired. Knowledge of: Correct oral and written usage of English and a designated second language; child guidance principles and practices; safe practices in classroom and playground activities; basic subjects taught in schools, including mathematics, grammar, spelling, language and reading; basic instructional methods and techniques; classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct; operation of standard office and classroom equipment; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; basic record-keeping techniques. Ability to: Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment; reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher; assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of lesson plans; read books to students and assist with reading and writing activities as assigned; read, write and speak English and Spanish; understand and follow oral and written directions; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures; operate standard office and classroom equipment; observe health and safety regulations; perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities; maintain records and files. WORKING CONDITIONS: Environment: Classroom and playground environment. Physical Requirements: Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office and classroom equipment; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students; seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities; hearing and speaking to exchange information. Requirements / Qualifications Requirements / Qualifications