Job Description

This position works when school is in session. The base hourly rate is $16.22, with opportunities for additional compensation based on relevant work experience, Spanish proficiency, and education.

Purpose: Provide instructional assistance to students under the direct supervision of a teacher or other licensed staff member. Assist in preparing, conducting, and managing classroom and school activities. Works closely with the staff and administration of USD 253.

Responsible to: Principal and Teacher(s) Assigned

Payment rate: As established by the Emporia Board of Education

Qualifications:

Education/Certification(s)/License(s):

1. High school diploma or equivalent
2. Highly qualified teacher aides must have completed at least 48 college credit hours or have passed the ParaPro Assessment
3. Non-highly qualified teacher aides must have a high school diploma or equivalent
4. Health and Inoculation Certificate on file in the Central Office

Special Knowledge/Skills:

1. Ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics or other subject areas assigned
2. Ability to work well with students
3. Possess strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with all members of the district and community.
4. Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
5. Ability to learn new skills associated with this position
6. Experience working with children is preferred
7. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

Essential Functions:

1. Assist in facilitating the personal, social, and intellectual development of students.
2. Assist in establishing a positive learning environment, and respond to the individual needs of students.
3. Work effectively with students, teachers, parents, community agencies and other groups.
4. Provide instruction to students under the direction of the teacher. Work with individual students or small groups.
5. Assist teacher in preparing instructional materials and supplies for use. Set up displays and equipment. Assist with instructional or supportive services.
6. Assist with grading papers and maintaining necessary records. Perform other general clerical tasks.
7. Assist with administration and scoring of objective testing instruments or work assignments and monitor student progress.
8. Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
9. Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
10. Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes the classroom, lunchroom, playground, and other areas as directed.
11. Make the teacher aware of special needs or problems of individual students.
12. Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned.
13. Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance.
14. Safely operate all classroom equipment as required.

Mental Demands/Physical Requirement/Environmental Conditions:

1. Requires the ability to maintain emotional control while under stress and in stressful situations.
2. Requires the ability to frequently stand for prolonged periods of time.
3. Requires the ability to walk frequently.
4. Requires the ability to use standard office equipment including computer and peripherals and other instructional equipment for prolonged periods of time.
5. Requires the ability to frequently use repetitive hand motions, including frequent keyboarding and mouse use.
6. Requires the ability to frequently kneel/squat, bend/stoop, push/pull, twist, or reach.
7. Requires the ability to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials.
8. Requires the ability to work and concentrate in noisy and crowded environments.
9. Requires the ability to work with frequent interruptions.
10. Requires the ability to occasionally work outside with exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures.
11. Requires timeliness and regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

General Responsibilities:

1. Support the vision and mission of USD253.
2. Support the value of an education.
3. Respect the confidentiality of records and information regarding students, parents, teachers, and the district in accordance with accepted professional ethics, and state and federal laws.
4. Strive to maintain and improve professional competence.
5. Desire to continue career improvement
6. Stay abreast of new technologies, data management and communication.
7. Strive to communicate the positive aspects of our school program to the public in word and deed.
8. Comply with legal and regulatory requirements as provided by state and federal law.
9. Uphold and enforce board policy, administrative procedures, and school rules/regulations including but not limited to: acceptable use of technology, sexual and racial harassment, child abuse reporting, health and safety including all precautions related to bloodborne pathogens, and suicide prevention.
10. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures. Actively participate in response drills. Be prepared to implement the Building Crisis Plan.
11. Monitor hallways and common areas as necessary.
12. Maintain safe and well-organized spaces.
13. React to change in a productive manner.
14. Other duties as assigned.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities 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. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.