Teacher Assistant, Instruction - SMES (2025-2026 School Year)

HARRISONBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

PRIMARY FUNCTION:  Assists teachers in providing for the individual needs of the student in order for each student to achieve his/her maximum academic and social potential.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Have completed 2 years of college (associates and/or bachelor degree preferred). 
2. Proficiency in spoken and written communication to express and/or exchange ideas. 
3. Ability to establish and follow detailed work procedures with speed and accuracy. 
4. Bilingual ability preferred. 
5. Emotionally mature, objective, and sensitive to the needs of others. Able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, families and co-workers. 
6. Effectively demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions.
7. Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
8. Familiarity with equity and inclusion frameworks.  Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities.  Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.
9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences to foster professional relationships and express and/or exchange ideas.  
10. Excellent interpersonal skills.
11. Proficiency in the use of a variety of office/instructional equipment and technology with experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and email.
12. Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:          

1. Conducts learning exercises (provides instruction) to the whole class, small groups, and individual students. 
2. Informs the teacher of any special information or concerns about an individual student. 
3. Assists the teacher in providing for the individual instructional, behavioral, and daily living needs, abilities, and interests of the students. (This may include providing direct assistance to students with special needs, including assisting with personal hygiene tasks like toileting, changing diapers, and managing clothing changes.)
4. Assists with activities such as record keeping, filing, organizing materials and preparing instructional/classroom materials. 
5. Supports an inviting and functional classroom or learning environment while caring for material and equipment. 
6. Provides clerical assistance as a particular situation requires (as skills permit). 
7. Assists with the supervision of children. 
8. Serves as the chief source of information and helps any substitute teacher assigned in their area. 
9. Provides lunch supervision and/or bus duties as assigned. 
10. Substitutes for teachers when needed. 
11. Takes all industry standard precautions to protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
12. Assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.
13. Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.
14. Actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
15. Maintains confidentiality when appropriate.
16. Complies with and supports school division policies, regulations, procedures, and the HCPS Strategic Plan.
17. Effectively performs other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light work, lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.  Regular travel throughout the school and effectively interact with students, staff, and the school community.  Regular contact with staff members is required. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; and subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.  Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

 EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on the evaluation of administrative or licensed personnel. 

The above is intended to describe the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this position.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and meet the demands of this position.

Salary : $21,629 - $35,688