Teacher Assistant

Designation: Teacher Assistant

Department: 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 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
• Assisting with displays of student work
• Assisting 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