26 Instructional Assistant

Fairfax County Public Schools • Rose Hill, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs paraprofessional curricular, instructional, clerical, and support tasks to assist teachers and other professional staff in a PreK classroom or other instructional setting. Works with teachers to provide instructional or developmental activities for students in general or special education and assists with daily classroom and student management. The position may include supporting students with special needs, providing routine care, continuing instructional activities during a teacher’s absence, and occasionally serving as a substitute teacher.

The job operates in a school environment with mostly low to moderate noise. Standard classroom equipment includes computers, phones, photocopiers, projectors, smartboards, filing cabinets, and assistive technology. Duties may require regularly standing, sitting, walking, bending, or kneeling; lifting up to 35 pounds; and occasionally lifting or moving up to 70 pounds and/or using a Hoyer lift.

Requirements

• High school graduation or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
• One year of experience working with children as a volunteer or paid employee, or equivalent participation in an introductory teacher education course with documented support.
• Knowledge of and ability to assist with reading, writing, and mathematics instruction for assignments to Title I schools, unless meeting the stated education or assessment alternative.
• Knowledge and understanding of child growth and development.
• Knowledge of instructional procedures and practices applicable to the assignment.
• Knowledge of subject-matter reinforcement practices for assigned classes.
• Ability to implement teachers’ instructional plans in the assigned field.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to learn and practice Fairfax County Public Schools’ instructional goals and policies.
• Ability to work effectively with students and staff.
• Ability to assist with implementing an instructional program and related technology, and to participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and perform required tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• For assignments to Title I schools: an associate degree; or two years of college (48 credit hours); or meeting a rigorous standard of quality demonstrated through a state or local academic assessment, together with knowledge of and ability to assist with reading, writing, and mathematics instruction.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers and other professional staff with curricular, instructional, clerical, and support tasks.
• Work with teachers to provide instructional or developmental activities for general or special education students.
• Provide remedial instruction and reinforce learning initiated by a teacher or professional staff.
• Work with students who require individual or close attention; observe and assist students experiencing difficulties.
• Assist teachers with developing individualized programs.
• Prepare instructional materials and reports as requested.
• Work with individual students or small groups; read to students, listen to recitations, and collaborate on reading strategies.
• Facilitate group activities such as drawing, writing, and independent study.
• Assist with teaching basic-skills classes and, under general supervision, monitor computer, writing, or other technology laboratories.
• Assist with instruction for students with special needs under teacher supervision, including monitoring independent work.
• Supervise and monitor students in off-site vocational training and community travel settings, as assigned.
• Help maintain order and manage student behavior, including behavior intervention plans and crisis management.
• Proctor tests and examinations, and correct and score objective tests.
• Maintain inventory and distribute instructional materials and supplies.
• Maintain files containing student work and evaluation and assessment data; observe, gather, and record student assessment data and review observations and progress with instructional staff.
• Continue instructional activities during a teacher’s absence from the classroom.
• Assist with routine care, including personal hygiene and feeding, as required or requested.
• Occasionally serve as a substitute teacher.
• Perform related duties as required or assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED