Elementary Instructional Assistant

Elementary School Instructional Assistant

MISSION

Global Preparatory Academy develops compassionate global leaders through a rigorous education program that focuses on hands-on, cultural and Spanish immersion learning opportunities.

SUMMARY

Global Prep Academy, a dual language school that connects students from diverse linguistic backgrounds and educates them together in a highly rigorous, engaging and nurturing environment. Using both English and Spanish to instruct students in all core content areas, students will develop high levels of bilingualism and biliteracy, as well as a deep value and understanding of other cultures. As citizens in a global world, students at Global Prep gain limitless access to other cultures through bilingualism and instruction, which emphasizes critical thinking using global perspectives and experiential learning.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

In cooperation with the lead teacher in the classroom, instructional assistants perform many of the same tasks, such as enforcing classroom and school rules and greeting children when they arrive at school. Under the supervision of the lead teacher, assistants may take over teaching the class as a whole on an occasional basis. Depending on the size of the class, assistants and lead teachers often work together to get the young students settled for the day helping with the morning routine as well as support in the dismissal process. Teachers assistants may complete supportive work such as organizing paperwork, photocopying, and preparing and producing bulletin boards, classroom displays, and materials used in instruction. Duties such as record-keeping, materials inventory, and technical support for classroom technology will likely fall to a instructional assistant. In addition, staff are expected to support core instruction through small group, personalized, and differentiated instruction under the guidance and direction of the classroom teacher.

• Work with the lead teacher to monitor the class schedule
• Assist teachers with lesson preparation by getting materials ready, supporting core instruction by modeling, clarifying directions, etc.
• Revise lesson material with students individually or in small groups
• Ensure the classroom environment is safe and clean
• Oversee students during non-classroom times including in-between classes, during lunch, specials and on field trips
• Collaborate with lead teacher to recognize issues students are facing and recommend solutions
• Document student progress and communicate with parents to keep them informed.
• Help lead teachers to create lesson plans
• Comply with state, school and class rules and regulations
• Attend all training classes, parent conference, and faculty meetings

COMPETENCIES:

Instructional assistants have a positive and enthusiastic personality. They are also resourceful, observant, and creative in finding new ways to help children learn. Typically, employers require an associate's degree as well as the following abilities:

• Creativity - working with children requires a level of enthusiasm and fun, so instructional assistants find ways to make daily tasks interesting and enjoyable for children to help them learn new skills
• Resourcefulness - to help students learn and to reinforce lessons, instructional assistants explain information in a way that matches their learning style, so resourcefulness is advantageous to this position
• Communication skills - this job requires communicating with people of all different ages, from parents and children to colleagues, so excellent communication skills are a must
• Patience - instructional assistants work with children of young ages and of different developmental backgrounds, which can be difficult and challenging, so they need patience to work with students of this age group and to remain calm and positive
• Attention to detail - instructional assistants must be observant to spot when a child is having difficulty with something or needs assistance

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• High school diploma or equivalent qualification
• Bachelor's degree in Education or relevant field is preferred
• A minimum of 2 years' experience as a instructional assistant or similar role
• Solid understanding of classroom activities and teaching best practices
• Must have a compassionate and positive attitude
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Outstanding interpersonal and presentation abilities
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit strong interpersonal skills with students, parents and community; and ability to meet established deadlines;
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred