Substitute Instructional Assistant - Special Education

MOUNTAIN VIEW-LOS ALTOS UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

1299 BRYANT AVENUE 

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94040

 CLASS TITLE:  INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT

 BASIC FUNCTION:

The emphasis of the position is on providing direct assistance to students, not on clerical support. Under the direction of a classroom teacher, provide instructional services in a number of different classroom settings, supporting the instruction of individual and small groups of students in a variety of subject areas; monitor student behavior and performance; and perform classroom-related clerical duties as assigned.

Provide instructional assistance to students in a variety of academic/vocational areas and settings, including special education, mainstream and bilingual classes. Tutor and assist students, monitor their progress and assure completion of their assignments.

Assist the teacher in supervising and directing students' learning activities during instructional periods.

Assist in administering various classroom tests, and where appropriate, assist teacher with grading and recording of assignments and tests. Assist the teacher in creating and maintaining an environment conducive to learning.

Assist the teacher in maintaining contact with parents.

Assist special needs students in their mainstream classes by providing academic support, behavior management and other related functions under the direction and in cooperation with both, the mainstream teacher and special program teacher.

Keep the special program teacher apprised of progress and problems special needs students are experiencing in their mainstream classes.

Observe and monitor behavior of students according to approved procedures and assist teacher with managing behavior and classroom control.

Assist teacher in the development and modification of instructional materials in mainstream and special programs.

Assist teacher with maintaining records and files related to students and classroom activities.

Where appropriate, help students with job applications and Workability forms and maintain contact with Workability personnel.

Perform all related duties as assigned, including providing translation services for ELD students/parents when needed.

 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

District policies, laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to designated program areas.

Strong academic skills in language arts and mathematics.

Correct usage of English, i.e. proper use of grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Proficient knowledge of Spanish - oral and written - for personnel assigned to the ELD Department.

Strong interpersonal skills, i.e. patience, respect, tolerance, tact, courtesy, conflict management, and communication.

Techniques, principles and practices used in tutoring, mentoring and supervising students.

Health and safety regulations.

Record keeping skills.

            ABILITY TO:

Maintain confidentiality of pupil and school information.

Monitor student conduct according to approved policies and procedures.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents and staff.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others, including community agencies and other service providers.

Operate instructional and office equipment, including use of computers.

Remain calm and deal with crisis situations appropriately.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Shows initiative and use of good judgement.

 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school graduate; AA degree, two years of college or passage of a local assessment test required; enjoys working with high school aged students. Prior experience in related field desirable.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• High school classroom enviornment 
• May be subject to discourteous students 

 Licenses and other requirements:

• Criminal Justice fingerprint clearance
• Evidence of TB clearance

 If required to operate a vehicle:

• Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License
• Acceptable driving record and qualification for insurability by the District’s insurance carrier 

 DIFFERENTIATED TRAINING: All incumbents in this classification may have the opportunity to earn an additional stipend equal to one range higher on the salary schedule (pro-rated to the percentage worked).  Individuals who are recommended for a stipend must meet the following criteria:

• the employee must meet the current educational requirement for the position (i.e. AA degree, two years of college or passage of a local assessment test required)
• the employee should currently be on or have completed one year on column E of the salary schedule.  Exceptions are at the discretion of the administration.

 Although specific tasks may be quite different, incumbents perform similar kinds of responsible instructional support duties.  Factors that will determine award of the stipend will include

• relative nature of duties performed,
• difficulty, complexity, variety, and specialized knowledge or skills required,
• independence of action and decision used to perform duties, and
• ongoing nature of an assignment requiring daily application and use of the above mentioned factors.

 The stipend will cease at the point that the above mentioned criteria is no longer met.  Individuals may be recommended for a stipend by the department coordinator/supervisor or administrator or by initiating a request for such consideration.  Each request will be reviewed by a site administrator and the Associate Superintendent for Personnel.  The Associate Superintendent for Personnel will make the final determination.  His/her decision shall be final and binding, and shall not be subject to any grievance procedure.