DEFINITION: The Paraeducator, Teacher Assistant, under the direction of a site administrator, assists a teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students in a classroom or other learning environment; assists teachers with the preparation of instructional materials; tutors students in assigned subject areas. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: • Tutors individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; directs group activities or students as assigned. • Provides support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating equipment and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials. • Assists assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans; grades student tests and assignments; records grades; maintains student files as assigned. • May accompany students on field trips as assigned. • May perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials. • Observes and controls behavior of students in the classroom and during outdoor activities according to approved procedures; reports progress regarding student performance and behavior. • Operates a variety of classroom and office equipment including a computer, copier, typewriter, laminator, television and video equipment. • Performs related tasks as required. QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of: • Successful strategies and methods for working with children in a learning situation. • Basic instructional methods and techniques. • Basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading. • Basic concepts of child development and child behavior characteristics. • Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct. • Operation of a variety of office and classroom equipment. • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy in the classroom setting. • Basic record-keeping techniques. • Health regulations and safe working methods and procedures. • Proper lifting techniques. • District policies, rules and regulations. Ability to: • Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment. • Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities. • Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher. • Operate a variety of office and classroom equipment including a computer, copier, typewriter, laminator, television and video equipment. • Monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress according to approved polices and procedures. • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. • Observe health and safety regulations • Work cooperatively with others. • Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Education/Training/Required Certification: • High school graduate or equivalent. • Some experience working with children in an organized setting. • Specialized training or coursework in childcare, child behavior, psychology, or teaching and related fields desirable. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk and/or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk or sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reah with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Work conditions may include exposure to fumes, dust, odors, cleaning agents and chemicals. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.