NOTE:  A Missouri Substitute Certificate or teaching certificate is required for this position.    A Missouri  Substitute Certificate requires 60 college credit hours and a completed application through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at www.dese.mo.gov.

Purpose Statement

The job of Teacher Assistant is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending IEP meetings.

This job reports to the Principal

Essential Functions

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Administers tests, homework, make-up work, etc. (e.g. modify student work to help limit behavior issues while still accomplishing goals, etc.) for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.
• Administers immediate general first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs.
• Assists with appropriate behavioral intervention techniques as directed by the supervising teacher for the purpose of ensuring a safe environment for the student and classroom.
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, and professional support personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Escorts students in the building from class to class and to/from buses or cars for the purpose of ensuring the safety of all students and staff.
• Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, plans designed by IEP team for students with other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Maintains instructional materials and/or manual files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Provides, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; and ensuring students success in school.
• Records daily, weekly logs for behaviors, academics and prompts for the purpose of ensuring accurate information is kept on each student.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; stages of child development/ behavior; and age appropriate activities/behaviors.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; working with constant interruptions; and dealing with frequent interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 25% sitting, 60% walking, and 15% standing.  The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean atmosphere.