Instructional Aide, Pre-Kindergarten (2024-2025)

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to prepare college and career-ready students for life-long success.

OUR VISION

We are a premier district of choice that meets the diverse needs of all students by creating an inclusive community that fosters a strong sense of self-worth.

DISTRICT CULTURE

Southwest Public Schools believes in promoting a culture that embodies and fosters a collaborative approach to learning. Staff relationships are collegial, collaborative, and productive, and all staff members are held to high professional standards. Mistakes are not seen as failures, but as opportunities to learn and grow for both students and educators.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Instructional Aide provides classroom support to students and teachers.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Assists the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing materials or skills based on understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities
• Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills initially introduced by the teacher
• Operates and cares for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes
• Helps students master equipment or instructional materials assigned by the teacher
• Guides independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work set up and assigned by the teacher
• Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, and field trips
• Alerts the teacher to any problem or special information about an individual student
• Helps prepare/organize instructional materials for students with the assistance of the classroom teacher
• Helps to reinforce the safety and order of the classroom
• All other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Paraprofessional/Educational Aide certification requirements set by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) no exceptions; Associate's/Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 1 year experience in applicable area, preferably in a school setting
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
• Experience working in a school setting with diverse student populations, parents, and other stakeholders

OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Maintain regular attendance.
• Ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into focus; judge distance (close and distant); reach with arms extended and use hands to manipulate the keyboard, smart board and other campus/office technology.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds, including but not limited to: books, paper and classroom/office materials/supplies.
• This position requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling and/or the ability to be mobile.
• May work prolonged or irregular hours; maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to travel districtwide and statewide as needed by means of personal/private or public transportation in compliance with the state’s department of motor vehicle and/or public transportation laws.

EXPECTED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to build and sustain positive, collaborative relationships both internally and externally
• Ability to interpret laws, rules, and policies
• Ability to plan and present information to a variety of audiences
• Skills in written and oral communication, planning, and organization

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have carefully read and understand the contents of this position description. I understand the responsibilities, requirements and duties expected of me. I understand that this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the position. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, the employer reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the position or to require that additional or different tasks be performed as directed by the employer.

I understand that I may be required to work overtime, different shifts or hours outside the normally defined workday or workweek. I also understand that this position description does not constitute a contract of employment nor alter my status as an at-will employee. I have the right to terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, and the employer has a similar right.

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE AN INTERVIEW AND/OR OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have carefully read and understand the contents of this position description. I understand the responsibilities, requirements and duties expected of me. I understand that this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the position. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, the employer reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the position or to require that additional or different tasks be performed as directed by the employer.

I understand that I may be required to work overtime, different shifts or hours outside the normally defined workday or workweek. I also understand that this position description does not constitute a contract of employment nor alter my status as an at-will employee. I have the right to terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, and the employer has a similar right.

Southwest Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Southwest Public Schools does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

This description describes the general responsibilities and requirements for the stated position and in no way is an exhaustive list. Southwest Public Schools maintains the right to assign or reassign responsibilities to this position at any time.