Instructional Assistant

Designation: Instructional Assistant

Department: Early Years, Primary School

Location: Varied depending on assignment

Reports to: Principal/Vice-Principal

Works collaboratively with: Teachers, Students, Programme Coordinators, members of the student support team

Assigns task to / supervises: N/A

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY (Main purpose of this job):

An Instructional Assistant is part of a team of educators working together to provide the best learning environment for students and in doing so will:

. Keep open lines of communication with teachers, administrators, support staff and fellow instructional assistants

. Respect confidentiality and privacy of information related to students and the workplace. Instructional assistants are not permitted to discuss a child's academic/social development with parents directly. Any direct communication with parents must be carried out by the teacher.

. Be flexible and willing to perform duties outside the specific scope of your job description.

. Participate in school activities such as staff meetings, social functions and other school activities.

. Attend professional learning and training sessions.

. Maintain levels of professional conduct and dress appropriate for a representative of the CIS community.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Key areas of responsibility):

Curriculum Support

The instructional assistant will provide curriculum support evidenced by:

. A familiarity with CIS curriculum as it pertains to the Instructional Assistant's assignment.

. Ability to assist students with the completion of assigned tasks and classwork.

. The ability to adapt and differentiate materials in collaboration with the teacher.

. Under the guidance and direction of the classroom teacher provide instructional support to individuals and small groups of students.

. Assist in implementing instructional plans and provide support and supervision while the teacher is engaged with others.

. Assist in monitoring student progress towards set learning goals and provide feedback, guidance and reinforce taught concepts where necessary

. Help students compile portfolios in either digital or other formats

Social and behavioral support

The instructional assistant will provide social behavioral support evidenced by fostering a respectful, positive, safe, student-centered environment that is conducive to learning.

. Assist and guide students by demonstrating appropriate support, patience, kindness and caring

. Develop students self-esteem and positive self-concept.

. Assisting with safe transitions and supervision of students

. Supervise, observe and encourage positive student behavior in a developmentally appropriate way, and in keeping with the values of our school

. Render basic first aid as and when necessary

. Assist students with matters of personal hygiene

. Meet school buses and participate in supervision as required

. Supervise students during field trips and at school assemblies

. Assist with duties as required

. Dialogue with the teacher regarding student academic progress and behaviour

. Confer with the teacher when necessary regarding student needs

. Alert the teacher to any specific student concerns as they arise.

Administrative Support

The instructional assistant may not spend any more than to 20% of their time involved in administrative work which may include

. Assessment data gathering and documentation management

. Assist with the preparation and distribution of learning materials

. Help keep track of classroom supplies that need to be ordered

. Keep the learning spaces neat and orderly

. Assist with displays of student work

. Assist with classroom routines such as the collection of money or permission slips and keep accurate records of those transactions

REQUIREMENTS & EXPERIENCE:

. Post secondary education and or certification in an education-related field

. Prior experience working in an educational setting preferred

. Strong organisational skills

. Lifelong learner willing to learn and utilise basic teaching methods, techniques, and procedures used in the classroom.

COMPETENCIES:

. Culturally competent and able to work with culturally diverse staff and students in a bilingual and multilingual setting.

. An effective communicator

. Motivated, and energetic

. Results oriented and has a strong sense of accountability for student success