Job Description

Job Title: Class Size Teacher's Assistant

When applying for this position, please note that if you are recommended for hire, you will be required to apply for Tier 1 certification prior to the start of employment. The certification fee is $12.00 and is paid directly to the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Norman Public Schools personnel will provide detailed instructions during the employee processing phase.

Credentials:

Tier 1 (Title 1) Paraprofessional Requirements (at least one of the following):

• Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education (at least 48 hours of college coursework).
• Obtained an associate's degree (or higher).
• Taken and passed the WorkKeys test, ParaPro test, or the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET).
• An OSBI background check must be completed every five years to remain in compliance. The cost of the background check is the responsibility of the employee. Failure to complete the required background check may impact your employment status.

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must hold an associate degree or have completed 2 years of post-secondary education, or be a high school graduate and pass a PARAPRO or OGET test.

Training or Experience Required:

• Previous work or volunteer experience with children, teenagers, and/or clerical experience preferred.

Reports to:

Building Principal

Contract:

175 days

Salary Schedule:

Teacher's Assistant

FLSA Classification:

Non-exempt

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist with instruction and activities for individuals or groups as assigned by the teacher.
• Supervise students in instructional settings, off-campus activities, and during non-instructional activities such as recess, assemblies, emergency drills, and lunch periods.
• Occasionally supervise students in the teacher's absence.
• Prepare, create, or adapt instructional materials as directed by the teacher.
• Prepare bulletin boards and other teaching aids.
• Assist students with assignments and provide setup and operation of instructional equipment.
• Serve as the primary source of information and assistance for substitute teachers.
• Assist teachers with student behavior management strategies and respond appropriately to students when necessary.
• Alert the teacher to special needs of students.
• Grade student work, record grades, take attendance, and complete necessary paperwork and student records.
• Assist students with personal care needs and minor first aid as required.
• Perform housekeeping duties within the classroom to ensure cleanliness, including washing dishes, disinfecting toys and tables, defrosting freezers, etc.
• Prepare snacks for students and assist them in feeding, demonstrating proper eating skills.
• May ride the afternoon bus route, supervising student behavior on the bus.
• Operate photocopiers, laminators, duplicators, and computers as needed.
• Assist teachers in obtaining supplies for scheduled activities (e.g., paints, brushes, construction paper, science supplies, etc.).
• Assist teachers with compiling students' work to send home weekly in Thursday folders.
• Send letters home to parents as required.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good customer service and people skills to handle problems and provide information or technical assistance as requested.
• Ability to comply with safety guidelines and policies to reduce accidents or injuries to staff or students.
• Adhere to school dress standards, attendance, leave policies, and work habits.
• Creativity, initiative, and effective problem-solving are crucial for success in this role.
• Ability to exercise discretion, ingenuity, and independent judgment when performing tasks, due to the complexity of the job.
• Ability to manage the computerization of school district operations, providing training and support to staff in the use of administrative systems.
• Ability to select the most appropriate solution when multiple options exist.