Refugee Instructional Aide (RIA) Remainder of 2024-25 School Year Only - Part Time

(Using a computer is suggested to complete application. Phones are not always compatible.)

POSITION PROPERTIES

PURPOSE

Program at either elementary, middle school, or high school levels. The Refugee Instructional Aide (RIA) will work directly with newcomer EL teachers to assist with refugee students’ acclimation to a new environment and culture, implement lesson plans, and promote English Language Development (ELD). The RIA should be able to assist certificated teachers with intervention plans and classroom management, as well as lead small groups working on academic standards and ELD in the EL newcomer classes.
This position is supported by federal funds and will not be renewed following the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year. This RIA position will be placed in the English Learners newcomer program, and it could be assigned to any grade level in CPS based on student need.
Note: All duties described in this job description are intended to be fulfilled either in online or in-person classes, or a combination of both, as determined by student and district needs.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• • Provides individual and small group educational and linguistic support to newly arrived refugee and newly arrived immigrant students enrolled in the secondary EL Newcomer programs.
  • Provides individual and small group support to help refugee and newly arrived immigrant students adjust to a new school environment and culture.
  • Assists in promoting English Language Development (ELD) among newcomer students who are new to the English language and new to U.S. schools.
  • Reinforces classroom management as directed by EL newcomer teachers.
  • Assists in the supervision of students in non-classroom settings, as needed.
  • Assists in the administration of EL testing and assessments in the newcomer classroom(s)
  • Collaborates with administrators, colleagues, and parents in a positive and productive manner.
  • Maintains confidentiality of information about students and employees.
  • Participates in appropriate staff development and job-related trainings.
  • Maintains attendance standards as specified by district guidelines

Performs other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS

All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times. For information on polices, regulations and values, visit http://www.cpsk12.org.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To:        Pricipal, Director

Supervises:        N/A

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum: Missouri substitute teaching certificate (requires 36 college credit hours or completion of a certification course approved by the MO Department of Elementary and Secondary Education https://dese.mo.gov/educator-quality/certification/substitute-teachers).

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree. Missouri teaching certificate. Previous teaching experience. Bilingual in one or more of the following languages: Spanish, Arabic, Pashto, Swahili, or Kinyarwanda. Ability to work in a setting that includes team teaching. A strong desire to teach and be responsible for instructing children as assigned. Prior experience in a school setting and/or working with young people.

Ideal candidate will have a professional and friendly demeanor with a demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong desire to support students from various cultural backgrounds and to help them learn English.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Skills and Abilities:  An individual who holds this position must have the ability to complete the following:

Language

• Read, analyze and interpret professional journals, Board policy, administrative procedures and forms and governmental regulations and guidance 
• Read, analyze, and implement curriculum and assessment data to plan instruction
• Complete forms, write reports and engage in written correspondence with parents
• Present information effectively and respond to questions
• Write clear and complete lesson plans

Computation

• Work with mathematical concepts, such as probability and statistical inference, and analyze data for instruction
• Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations

Reasoning

• Solve a variety of problems in many different situations
• Interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Apply knowledge of current educational theory and instructional techniques while presenting subject matter to students
• Demonstrate executive functions such as planning, organizing, remembering, and regulating information and behavior as they pertain to student performance and achievement

Other Skills and Abilities

• Identify needs and abilities of individual students and to adapt instructional methods accordingly
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously

Technology

• Perform basic computer functions such as word processing and internet use
• Use district software for recording grades and finding student information
• Utilize smart boards, projectors and other instructional technology provided by the district

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 essential functions.

Physical Demands

An individual who holds this position must have the ability to:

• Speak and hear in an environment where numerous conversations and activities may be taking place simultaneously
• Move around the classroom to interact with and manage students/groups of students
• Read handwritten or printed material

Attendance

Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position

The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Conditions and Environment

The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active.  Occasionally the individual will be required to work outdoors for short periods of time to perform such tasks as loading and unloading students from district transportation and supervising recess.

Unavoidable Hazards: “Unavoidable Hazards” refers to unusual conditions in the work environment that may cause illness or injury.

The position is exposed to no unavoidable hazards.

Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $19 - $26