Instructional Assistant PreK 3 - Our Lady of Grace-Pleasanton

Archdiocese of San Antonio•Pleasanton, TX

12d

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by assisting the classroom teacher in planning, guiding, and educating students in a loving, Christ-centered environment. The role supports the teacher in evaluating students’ learning within the school’s philosophy, organization, and curriculum. The Instructional Assistant helps prepare instructional materials, assists students, and supports learning activities defined by the teacher. The position also supports Catholic education and the school’s mission, models Gospel values, follows school and Archdiocese policies, maintains confidentiality, and adheres to safety procedures and the organization’s Code of Conduct and Faith and Moral Policy. Employees are expected to take a solution-oriented approach, collaborate with colleagues, and perform other duties as assigned. The role assists with instructional preparation, student supervision, classroom administration, small-group activities, student needs, collaboration with school personnel, and professional responsibilities. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, qualifying postsecondary study, degree, or instructional knowledge and ability, and experience working with children in relevant settings. The employee must meet screening requirements and have reliable transportation, a valid driver license, and valid vehicle insurance.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED).
Meet at least one of the following: two years of study at an institution of higher education; an associate or higher degree; or knowledge and ability to assist in instruction in core subjects.
Experience working with children, such as in day camps, youth groups, private schools, licensed day-care centers, or a similar setting.
Reliable transportation.
Valid driver license and valid vehicle insurance.
Pass Archdiocesan Safe Environment requirements and background screening.
Pass Texas DPS Fingerprint-based Applicant Clearinghouse screening.
Pass the Do Not Hire Registry background screening.
Knowledge of school procedures and policies.
Ability to adapt to different situations and schedules.
Knowledge of techniques and procedures for working with the targeted student population.
Ability to communicate and relate effectively with students, teachers, and parents, orally and in writing.
Ability to plan and/or implement instructional activities.
Ability to operate or learn to operate a variety of technology and equipment.
Ability to perform clerical responsibilities and work cooperatively as a team member.
Physical ability to lift a student if required by the job assignment.
Detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently and on a team.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Good critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

Support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school.
Model Gospel values and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Follow school and Archdiocese policies and procedures, including Religious Standards for Catholic School Employees, the Code of Conduct, and the Faith and Moral Policy.
Maintain confidentiality of school and organizational information.
Follow safety training and protocols and help ensure the safety and well-being of self and others.
Assist teachers in preparing instructional materials, teaching aids, bulletin boards, and equipment, including locating, copying, collating, distributing, and grouping materials.
Schedule space for specialized instructional programs and coordinate the arrangement of equipment and classroom activity areas.
Review teachers’ short- and long-term unit plans and anticipate needed supplies and materials.
Assist teachers in preparing for curriculum changes to meet student needs.
Confer with teachers about student progress and serve as a substitute teacher when necessary.
Use time efficiently.
Supervise students before, during, and after school, including during bus or car loading and unloading, on the playground, in the cafeteria, and in learning or practice situations as assigned.
Assist in maintaining the security of records, materials, and equipment.
Assist teachers with enforcing classroom rules and maintaining appropriate records.
Maintain a clean and orderly environment for students.
Check objective tests and mark errors without assigning grades.
Escort or transport students to and from classrooms, the clinic, and cafeteria as required.
Provide instructional assistance as planned or coordinated by a teacher or administrator.
Lead teacher-planned small-group activities following appropriate training.
Assist students with personal hygiene, health and safety issues, or grooming when required.
Work closely with teachers and other professionals to create a quality instructional environment.
Interact effectively and tactfully with staff, students, parents, administrators, and other contacts; demonstrate service orientation and teamwork.
Demonstrate initiative, reliability, punctuality, ethical conduct, and effective interpersonal communication.
Keep the supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events and respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
Support the school and its goals and priorities; prepare or assist with required reports and maintain appropriate records.
Identify potential problems or opportunities for improvement and participate in cross-training as required.
Perform other duties consistent with the goals and objectives of the position.