Teacher Assistant I

Position Purpose

Under direct supervision of a certified staff member, assists certified instructional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties to enable them to contribute to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Instruction

Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, science, computer instruction, and other skills.

Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.

Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.

Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.

Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to promote inclusion, learning, achievement of Individualized Education Program (IEP) objectives, and other areas.

Participates in the IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.

Assists students with physical, social, or cognitive disabilities, with activities of daily living for the purpose of improving their ability to participate in school or learning activities.

Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including students with disabilities or other special needs.

Classroom Management

Assists with classroom behavioral management to prevent / reduce disruptions; ensures a safe and orderly classroom, and ensures students are on task.

Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.

Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.

Administrative

Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.

Constructs, distributes, copies, and uses educational materials as needed.

Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.

Personal Work Relationships

All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.

Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.

Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport / relationship with the consumer.

Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and performs as a team player;

promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.

Other Duties as Assigned

Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance with Board rules, policies and regulations.? All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics.

Knowledge of developmentally appropriate social, emotional, cognitive, and communication skills for children.

Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations with accuracy.

Skill in actively looking for ways to help people.

Skill in interpersonal relationships, including using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics.

Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.

Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.

Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.

Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.

Ability to work effectively and patiently with children, to work cooperatively with school personnel and parents.

Ability to use software to create spreadsheets, databases, and do word processing.

Ability to organize and coordinate work.

Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written forms.

Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Travel Requirements

Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

Tools / Equipment Used : ?Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.

Posture : ? Prolonged sitting and standing; frequent stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing / pulling, and twisting.

Motion : ? Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse and reaching; frequent walking, including walking with a sense of urgency.

Lifting : ?Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may lift and move text books and classroom equipment.

Environment : ?Works in a standard office setting and school building environment; works inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise;

regularly required to listen and speak; may require occasional irregular and / or prolonged hours.

Attendance : ? Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position

Mental Demands : ?Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions; may require occasional irregular and / or prolonged hours.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Education : ?

Accredited High School diploma, GED, or Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency required.

Certification : ? Obtain valid Texas educational aid certificate.

Experience : ? Some experience working with children.

Language : ? Bilingual (English / Spanish) preferred in some settings.

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.