Instructional Assistant - Paraprofessional

Washington Elementary School District 6•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Instructional Assistant - Paraprofessional assists teachers in a classroom environment. The role includes providing materials and handouts, working with students individually or in groups on projects and assignments, demonstrating skills and techniques, communicating with parents about specific concerns, contributing input to lesson plans and daily activities, copying materials, and preparing classrooms for activities. The assistant also monitors students in the playground and cafeteria and helps maintain their safety and orderly behavior.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) before being hired.
Meet one of the following: completion of 60 college credit hours; an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university; or passing an Arizona State-approved paraprofessional test before being hired.
Six months of experience working with children in a learning environment or related experience.
Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card.
For Title I schools, receive CPR certification within 30 days of the hire date.
Skills include demonstrating child development theories, applying basic mathematical concepts, using typical classroom activities, working with children, maintaining student discipline, demonstrating appropriate techniques and procedures, facilitating group learning activities, reviewing completed work, preparing classrooms, reading and following lesson plans, applying school rules and procedures, and communicating to exchange information.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in English and a target language.
Valid cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate.

Responsibilities

Work with students individually or in groups on projects and assignments involving spelling, reading, mathematics, comprehension, and memorization of emergency information.
Demonstrate skills and techniques to support student learning.
Monitor student behavior and enforce school and classroom standards and policies.
Monitor students and ensure their safety in the playground and cafeteria before school, during breakfast and lunch, and during recess.
Report unusual incidents or injuries to school administration.
Accompany students between classrooms and other areas, including the library, playground, cafeteria, and buses, to promote orderly behavior.
Maintain discipline by monitoring behavior, determining when to issue a warning or formal notice, and preparing documentation of disciplinary actions and unusual incidents.
Monitor student progress in reading and/or mathematics.
Copy and prepare educational materials as needed.
Prepare classrooms for activities by arranging tables and chairs and distributing materials.
Clean up after activities, including picking up toys and trash, washing tables and chairs, and rearranging furniture.
Communicate with parents about student progress and concerns, including academic improvements, truancy, and behavioral problems.
Interpret communications between teachers and parents when necessary.
Assist teachers with planning and coordinating lesson plans by sharing ideas and providing feedback from students.
Perform other duties as assigned.