BES Special Education Instructional Assistant/Para Teaching Assistant 2026-2027 School Year

Jessamine County School District•Nicholasville, KY

About The Position

Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individual students or small groups, and monitor and report student progress. Instructional Assistant I positions support a teacher through varied functions in a regular classroom. Instructional Assistant II positions work in a complex program that typically requires additional skills and greater independence of action. The role supports instruction, assessment, student behavior and safety, classroom preparation, recordkeeping, and student activities. Duties are performed as directed or assigned by teachers and may include communicating with parents, participating in instructional teams, meetings, and in-service training, and supporting students during classroom, playground, lunchroom, emergency, and field-trip activities.

Requirements

High school diploma and passing the para-educator exam, or 64 college semester hours, or teacher certification.
Knowledge of basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language, and reading.
Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Interpersonal skills involving tact, patience, and courtesy.
Knowledge of basic record-keeping techniques.
Ability to learn child guidance principles and practices.
Ability to communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff, the public, and members of ethnic communities.
Ability to perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
Ability to print and write legibly.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and accurately.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions and learn the procedures, functions, and limitations of assigned duties.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to learn and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities.
Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Ability to monitor, observe, and report student behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
Ability to operate instructional and office equipment.

Responsibilities

Tutor individual students or small groups, reinforcing and implementing instruction as directed by the teacher, and maintain records of student progress.
Participate as a member of an instructional team, including remediation teams.
Prepare and organize lessons as directed by the teacher; administer and score tests according to established guidelines; and assist in determining English proficiency of identified students.
Assist with diagnostic and other testing, and score and record test information.
Monitor and report student behavior and progress according to approved procedures; check and assist students with lab work as necessary.
Perform routine clerical work, including preparing instructional and classroom materials, operating copy machines, and maintaining classroom and attendance records.
Set up work areas, displays, and exhibits; operate audio-visual and educational training equipment; and distribute and collect papers and supplies.
Assist in overseeing students in labs and maintain supplies inventory as necessary.
Support students with appropriate examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude, and general guidance.
Confer with teachers as needed about programs and materials to meet student needs.
Contact parents of absent students and make home visits as necessary.
Promote student health and safety by following health and safety practices and regulations.
Direct assigned group activities and assist with lunchroom and playground monitoring, emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, and field trips.
Participate in assigned meetings and in-service training programs.