Instructional Assistant - Choir - Cross Timbers Ms

Job Title: Instructional Assistant - Choir Wage/Hour Status: Non-exempt
Reports to: Choir Director Pay Grade: IS203
Dept./School: Cross Timbers Middle School Date Revised: 12/2023
Primary Purpose:
Assist the choir director to provide students with outstanding learning activities and experiences in music so students develop pedagogical and technical mastery, musical understanding, and a love of music. The Instructional Assistant will work with the director to encourage lifelong learning and participation in music beyond the middle school setting.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 48+ college credit, Associates degree or higher, or an approved state/local academic assessment

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Must be able to work positively with students and instill a love of music
• Must have high expectations of their own work and the work of their students
• Must have a willingness to meet the needs of the students and program
• Ability to work collaboratively with the middle school director
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of fine arts teachers at the campus and district level
• Ability to instruct students and manage behavior in both small and individual settings according the plans as set forth by the director
• Ability to serve as a model of characteristic vocal tone, diction, rhythm, and musicality
• Ability to play the piano in rehearsal and performances
• Knowledge of, or the potential to learn, specific vocal and choral pedagogy to include, but not limited to: tone production, changing voices, diction, rehearsal techniques, ear training, counting systems, and music theory
• General knowledge of curriculum, instruction, scope, and sequence in a choral setting
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience

• Previous experience working with children, preferably in an educational environment

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Musical Performance

• Lead instructional exercises assigned by the teacher and work with individual students or small groups

• Perform vocal parts on the piano with students in a variety of settings
• Perform with the choirs on piano as assigned
• Assist with setup and execution of performances and special events

Instructional Strategies

• Assist teacher in preparing instructional materials, classroom displays, and lesson plans
• Effectively use instructional and rehearsal strategies as planned by the director
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations
• Work cooperatively with special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP)

Student Growth and Development

• Monitor and encourage student growth and development
• Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process
• Assist with the scoring of student assignments
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned by the director
• Be a positive role model for students and support mission of the school district

Classroom Management and Organization

• Ensure the proper use, maintenance, and tracking of the school's equipment and music inventory
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
• Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members

Professional Growth and Development

• Assist in campus duty assignments as required
• Stay informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required
• Maintain confidentiality
• Participate in meetings and training sessions as designated by district staff
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance.

Working Conditions

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing
• Move large instruments, choir risers, sound shells, and sound equipment as able
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment as able

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.