Saint Mary’s Catholic School

Instructional Assistant

Grades pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and First

Job Description

Purpose: To assist classroom and resource teachers in achieving the identified
instructional/behavioral objectives and to help students take full
advantage of the instructional program and available resources.

Employer: Principal, Saint Mary’s Catholic School

Supervisor: Classroom teacher as assigned by Principal

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Perform tasks related to classroom instruction under the supervision of a certified teacher.
2. Works with small groups of students to reinforce learning initially introduced by the teacher.
3. Guides independent study, enrichment work, and corrective/remedial instruction directed by the teacher.
4. Assists individual students who need special attention and/or assistance.
5. Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials for classroom and student use.
6. Assists with routine classroom clerical duties in hard copy and electronically.
7. Assists individual students and/or teachers with the use of assistive technology/adaptive devices, as needed.
8. Assists in the supervision of students who participate in special class activities.
9. Supervises student(s) who may need to leave the classroom setting to do independent or small group work.
10. Helps with extra duties related to the supervision of students, including, but not limited to lunch periods, assemblies, field trips, recess, etc.
11. Participates in in-service and professional development activities as needed.
12. Maintains the confidentiality of all students.
13. Performs other duties as assigned by the teacher or principal.

Physical Demands and Environment: Duties are performed in the classroom and other locations in the school; occasionally on field trips. Physical endurance and strength must allow incumbent to effectively supervise and assist students. Incumbent will occasionally use customary cleaning fluids and chemicals, for example when cleaning up after classroom snacks. Incumbent will accompany students when out of the classroom (i.e. on playground) and will need to physically supervise students. Incumbent will prepare instructional materials that require use of scissors, copy machines, projectors and other instructional technology. Hanging classroom decorations, student artwork and projects and other instructional materials will be a routine requirement of the position.

Performance Appraisal: Incumbent will receive routine direction and guidance from the classroom and resource teachers. The incumbent will be periodically observed by the classroom teacher and provided with formal and informal assessments of performance. A summary appraisal will be completed by the supervisor and reviewed by the employer annually.

Working Conditions: Instructional aides are typically assigned 25 hours of work per week. Typical working hours are 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM Monday through Friday. Hours may be adjusted by the classroom teacher or Principal. It is expected that the instructional assistant will work closely with the classroom teacher in a collegial manner. Assistance in performance of duties is available from teachers and colleagues.

Position Status: Position is non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or GED equivalent (minimum);
2. Post secondary education (at least two {2} equivalent years) or associates degree
   (preferred);
3. Knowledge and understanding of academic and behavioral strategies and techniques to assist students in learning;
4. Word processing/computer experience (preferred); and
5. Good attitude towards children and peers with strong interpersonal skills
6. Successfully complete background screening.
7. Successfully complete the Diocesan sponsored child abuse awareness training.
8. Either a practicing Catholic or willingness to support instruction in Catholic teaching and tradition.

Benefits: Eligible for selected Diocesan benefits as found in Called to Work in Harmony, the Diocesan employee’s manual.