BASIC FUNCTION:                                                 

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, this individual assists a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students in a classroom or other learning environment; prepares  instructional materials and performs a variety of clerical duties as assigned; translates orally and in writing for teachers, administrators, students, and parents as assigned.

Classification Characteristics:

This is a bargaining unit position.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Representative Duties:  (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below.  This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.) E=Essential Functions

• Assists in the presentation of instructional materials and academic instruction to individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; assists students in their understanding and comprehension of reading, writing, language arts, science, math, and social studies, performing remedial exercises and other basic instruction as required; E
• Repeats and reinforces instruction; provides individual assistance to students experiencing learning difficulty; explains errors and answers questions; assists students with a variety of instructional games and activities; E
• Observes and controls behavior of students in and out of the classroom, including snack time, play time, and movement of students to various locations on the school campus and during emergency drills; E
• Administers, corrects, and records tests, papers, essays, and homework assignments as directed; prepares homework packets as assigned; calls students and parents to follow up on absences as assigned; E
• Performs a variety of clerical duties such as updating progress reports, cumulative folders, recording grades, assembling materials, taking roll, maintaining records and files, typing and duplicating classroom materials, and distributing and collecting papers and supplies; E
• Operates audio-visual equipment, typewriter, copier, VCR, scantron, and thermofax machine; sets up displays as necessary; operates a personal computer or computer terminal as required; E
• Reports progress regarding student performance and behavior as required; provides input and assists instructors with determining student advancement through established learning programs;
• Communicates with students in English or a designated second language as required to facilitate instructional processes; provides translation in parent-teacher conferences or telephone calls with limited or non-English speaking parents as required;
• Assists with computer orientation and instruction; utilizes various computer programs as directed;
• Assists in the preparation of materials for classroom use as directed by the teacher; prepares materials to assist student learning comprehension;
• Assists students by providing a proper role model, emotional support, patience, a friendly attitude, and general guidance;
• Confers with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs; accompanies students on field trips as directed;
• Participates in IEP meetings, in-service training programs, and field trips as assigned;
• Performs related duties as assigned.                                                                                                    

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic subjects taught in the District schools, including arithmetic, science, social studies, grammar, spelling, language, and reading
• Child guidance principles and practices
• Classroom procedures and conduct
• Basic instructional techniques
• School and classroom rules, policies, and procedures 
• Safe practices in classroom activities
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary 
• Reading and writing, communication skills 
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Record-keeping techniques

ABILITY TO:

• Assist in providing patient instruction to individuals or small groups of students in a classroom or other learning environment
• Assist with the instructional and related activities of the assigned learning environment
• Learn methods and procedures to be followed in the assigned instructional environment and limitations 
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff, and the public
• Prepare instructional materials and perform a variety of routine clerical duties
• Perform clerical duties such as filing, typing, duplicating, and maintaining records related to the instructional program 
• Print and write legibly
• Understand and follow oral and written directions 
• Read, follow, explain, and enforce rules, regulations, policies, and procedures 
• Work independently with little direction
• Communicate effectively with students and adults both orally and in writing 
• Observe and control student behavior according to approved policies and procedures 
• Operate instructional and office equipment, including copiers, audio-visual equipment, typewriter, thermofax, VCR, and scantron 
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly classroom learning environment
• Must type at a net corrected speed of 15 w.p.m. from clear legible copy

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Classroom environment and office environment; subject to constant interruptions.  Position requires watching, hearing, and speaking to students, bending, kneeling, and standing for long periods.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Some positions in this classification require the ability to speak, read, write, and translate English and a designated second language as determined by the District and require some experience working with people of various cultures.