JOB QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education:
*An Associate Degree or higher (from an accredited college)
(GPA of 2.5 or higher/at least a “C” Average)
OR
*60 Semester or 90 Quarter hours (from an accredited college)
(GPA of 2.5 or higher/at least a “C” Average)
OR
*High school diploma/equivalent with a passing score on the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment
NOTE: PRAXIS Paraprofessional Assessment will be accepted if taken before March 1, 2007

Certification or Licensure: Must maintain a valid Georgia certificate through professional learning or college coursework. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Skills: Knowledge of, and ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics. Knowledge of, and ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.

Able to effectively use school technology including light typing and e-mailing.

Work Experience: Experience in a licensed childcare environment is preferred.

PRIMARY DUTY:

This position is responsible for assisting the teacher in the classroom with instruction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serves as an assistant in an identified instructional program observing the same hours as the classroom teacher; being prompt, dependable, and regular in attendance.
2. Attends all school staff meetings.
3. Participates in professional development pertinent to duties assigned by the principal, lead teacher, and classroom teacher.

4. Works cooperatively with teachers, administrators, and school stakeholders.
5. Assist with the supervision of students while promoting activities to enhance the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of students.
6. Serves as the chief source of information and helps to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher to achieve program continuity.
7. Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as expected of the teacher.
8. Uses correct grammar when communicating orally and/or in writing.
9. Gives the teacher an additional source of feedback and of ideas concerning class activities while working with an individual or small group of students to reinforce learning of material or skills initially introduced by the teacher.
10. Utilizes special skills and talents within the total school program.
11. Performs tasks assigned by the principal, lead teacher, or classroom teacher.
12. Operates and cares for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes.
13. Actively participates in school improvement by serving on school-based committees as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those 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. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, and sit.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: May be asked to attend/participate in special programs or activities outside the instructional day. Requires working in a portable building which has 3-5 steps and walking at various intervals throughout the day.