Instructional Assistant | Susan Lindgren Elementary

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Instructional Support Assistant supports teachers in delivering instruction and fostering a positive inclusive learning environment. They assist with implementing lesson plans provide individual and small-group support help manage classroom behavior and prepare instructional materials. The role includes supporting students with diverse needs supervising during non-instructional times and promoting equity and inclusion while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to district policies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reinforce practice and reintroduce academic subjects (reading math science language etc.) based on lessons delivered by licensed instructional staff.
• Work with students in small groups or one-on-one to support learning objectives and daily lessons.
• Assist students with daily living skills health needs and hygiene as required.
• Monitor assess and supervise student behavior to ensure consistency with IEPs and classroom expectations.
• Implement and provide appropriate consequences for behavior in alignment with district philosophy and individual behavioral plans.
• Support licensed staff in adapting and modifying lesson plans for students needing additional help or special accommodations.
• Prepare instructional materials and assist with organizing classrooms and daily lesson plans.
• Meet with instructional staff to discuss student needs progress and strategies for improvement.
• Provide input to help identify student concerns challenges and successes.
• Supervise students during non-instructional times (e.g. study halls lunch playground hallways and bus loading/unloading) as needed.
• Foster an inclusive and culturally responsive environment that supports equity and diversity.
• Assist with behavioral management and promote positive behavior reinforcement.
• Adhere to district policies procedures and confidentiality guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Early childhood development principles and developmental milestones.
• Age-appropriate teaching strategies for preschool-aged children including play-based learning and hands-on activities.
• Social-emotional development and strategies for promoting positive behavior in young children.
• Basic concepts in literacy math motor skills and language development for preschool children.
• Health and safety guidelines related to young children including hygiene practices and emergency procedures.
• Classroom management techniques and strategies for supporting young childrens behavior.
• Supporting the development of foundational academic and social skills in young children.
• Creating and organizing developmentally appropriate learning activities and materials.
• Encouraging positive interactions among children and promoting inclusive respectful classroom behavior.
• Communicating clearly and effectively with children parents and teachers.
• Observing and documenting childrens progress and developmental growth.
• Using creativity and flexibility to adapt activities to meet the needs of individual children.
• Managing classroom routines and transitions to maintain a structured calm learning environment.
• Build trusting positive relationships with preschool-aged children promoting a safe and supportive classroom environment.
• Adapt to the individual learning needs of children and provide tailored support in various areas.
• Stay patient compassionate and responsive to the emotional and developmental needs of young children.
• Collaborate with teachers families and other staff members to support childrens growth and well-being.
• Foster an inclusive culturally responsive environment that supports diversity and encourages each childs success.
• Supervise children effectively ensuring their safety and engagement throughout the school day.
• Remain flexible and proactive in a dynamic fast-paced early learning environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility: Frequent walking standing bending crouching and kneeling to assist students and support classroom activities.
• Lifting: Ability to lift carry and move up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally including assisting students with mobility needs if required.
• Repetitive Motion: Regular use of hands and fingers for writing typing and handling instructional materials.
• Visual and Auditory Requirements: Ability to see and hear within normal ranges to monitor student behavior support instruction and ensure safety.
• Physical Assistance: This may involve supporting students with physical disabilities including transferring positioning or assisting with mobility devices.
• Endurance: Capability to actively engage with students throughout the school day including indoor and outdoor supervision (e.g. recess field trips).
• Speech and Communication: Clear verbal communication to interact effectively with students staff and families.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• School Setting: Primarily works in classrooms but may also assist in specialized learning spaces libraries cafeterias playgrounds hallways and other school areas.
• Student Interaction: Regular direct interaction with students including those with diverse learning needs and varying behavioral emotional or physical abilities.
• Team Collaboration: Works closely with licensed instructional staff special education teams and other support personnel to assist students.
• Dynamic Environment: Fast-paced and varied requiring flexibility to shift between instructional support behavioral management and supervision tasks.
• Supervision Duties: Responsible for student supervision in classrooms and during non-instructional times (e.g. lunch recess bus loading/unloading and field trips).
• Exposure to Elements: May work outdoors during recess field trips or other activities subject to varying weather conditions.
• Health & Safety Considerations: Potential exposure to bodily fluids or illnesses while assisting students with health or hygiene needs following proper safety protocols.
• Noise Level: Moderate to high depending on student activities and settings.
• Physical Demands: The work involves standing walking bending lifting and moving throughout the day to support students and instructional activities.
• Inclusive Environment: Expected to promote and support a culturally responsive inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with children in an educational childcare or related setting.
• Associates degree or completion of at least two years of post-secondary education (equivalent to 60 college credits).
• Experience supporting students.
• Preferred: Training in behavior management techniques and culturally responsive practices.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.

BENEFIT INFORMATION
St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information including specific benefits and associated costs please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts.