instructional assistant

student assistant

nutrition assistant

security specialist

health specialist

Poway Unified School District

If you are looking for 'a job' with no potential for growth and get paid minimum wage, something to get out of the house and with grade 12 education then its a good start.  But if you are looking to grow in career path, you must master the game of politics - if you are hardworking and believe in getting promoted based on your merit :) then you are extremely mistaken!  Incompetent individuals with a title, will only promote the same to keep their short comings - as like any institution, if you can play the system and be incompetent but with 'degree' to show your worth you will have no issue rising up but the moment you become a threat to your immediate supervisor to rise about on your merits  - they will road block you every possible way as its an art to force someone to 'quit' if you have integrity, hardworking and a person of principle - your value to the organization is 'zero'.  In short its a 'cult' organization, who you know how you know who you 'want'!  If you think the Union will protect you, do NOT waste your time and energy :)  I worked their for 11 years, as long as you remain in a lower position, they are happy with you the moment you apply for higher position they will ALL turn on you :) but if you can be player and rub shoulders with incompetent individuals you can succeed...may be!  

A typical day would be teaching four classes a day because we are on a Trimester system the students have five classes a day. School begins at 8:10am and ends at 3:32pm. The students are good kids and are eager to learn most of the time. I have learned how important collaboration and teamwork is while working in the district. I have also learned how great it is to be working with teachers that truly care about student learning. The administration works hard to support the staff and the students. I feel comfortable working under them. My co-workers are great to work with. We all work hard to support our students and each other. I enjoy going to work everyday. The hardest part about the job is keeping my students challenged because most of them are self-motivated and come from homes where mom and dad are professionals. The most enjoyable part would be working with the students and seeing them light up when they understand and make the connection with what we are working on.

Poway Unified School District is one the most outstanding districts in the nation. I was employeed in the district (1988-92). The staff was talented because they seeked personal and professional development to improve teaching and learning. The administration provided opportunities for growth and incentives (TIPS - Teacher Improvement Plans, financed by the district for individual teachers to implant innovative change) for excellence. Teachers were rewarded with perks for accomplishments. The administration engaged staff in a values driven strategic plan to provide meaningful change and accountability. The business community supported schools with partnerships and with expertise. Teachers and staff were valued for their professional contributions. A culture of excellence created a work environment and community support that allowed all learners to be highly successful.

A typical day would be coming in early before school starts, making sure the circulation desk is ready, stocked with supplies, printing book holds/reserves for students, checking classroom visiting schedules, etc... Manning circulation desk, checking in/out books to students and teachers. Placing holds on books, looking up books in the library database system. Shelving books, putting new covers on books, and processing magazines. My co-workers are great and are easy to get along with, we all have a good rapport. The hardest part of the job for me would be watching over the students at lunch. I don't really like being a babysitter to high school students. Luckily, most are well behaved. I love helping students find the books they need and being part of the learning process of an ever-changing and growing library.

Very busy and sometimes chaotic work environment.  Job title wears many hats and job duties seem to change day-to-day.  Supervision varies depending on the personality of the supervisor and the principal at the school you are working at.  Confusing and conflicting job duties/requirements, and very little independence/trust in order to complete job duties.
Must wear comfortable shoes due to being on your feet entire day.  Must have a lot of energy in order to work with children in large school environment.  Must have patience and must have a positive attitude even when day is confusing, chaotic and not going so well.  The children's happiness and smiles are what guide you and make you enjoy your job.

Don't get me wrong, I love AVID Tutoring! But being an AVID Tutor with PUSD is awful. AVID Tutors with PUSD get no benefits at all, cannot advance or receive more pay despite excellent performance and working for a long time, receive BARELY minimum wage, and are lucky if they meet even 20 out of the maximum 30 hours a week. Most locations only need tutors for 1-3 hours a day, 2 days a week. Even after being with the district for 5 years, the most I ever made was $1200 one month, and that was only because I was taking my work home and working unofficially as an assistant for the teachers, and was in charge of planning and organizing a field trip. Even if you work extra hours, you don't get overtime or bonus pay. Just the regular, barely minimum wage.

My department has a direct impact on the education of 36,000+ students. We are the backbone for teachers and administrators.
When I first log on in the morning, my feet hit the ground running- plenty of emails and online copy job requests to get completed in the 8-hour day.
Customer service is key. We are here to help our customers achieve near-perfection with their copy projects. Many jobs are last-minute, so time management is crucial.
Although I enjoy the fast pace and being a valuable department for our large school district, I would like to work from home- sitting at my desk, looking out a large window at the coastline in Hawaii.

I came into the Special Day Classroom as a substitute teacher.  The students were out of control behaviorally and needed structure and behavior modification.  The challenge was a valuable learning experience for me and served me in later teaching situations.
     The staff and administrators were very helpful and supportive.  Especially knowing the challenge these students presented.  Controlling behaviors and meeting the individual educational needs of students was the hardest part of the job.   The most enjoyable part was accomplishing my goals of managing the classroom and having success with meeting needs of the students.

The everyday culture completely depends on which department you're in or what school location you work at. I worked for the district for over a decade and have acquired lifelong friendships, and experience. The district itself is not terrible to work for, however the majority of PUSD employees can be snobbish, or cliquey. Very much a caste system. Certificated teachers keep their distance from classified staff. The district culture favors certificated staff, but even then, it depends on specific teachers. Not a feeling of unity or togetherness. At our annual professional growth seminars, it was apparent who "sat at the cool table" and who didn't. Teachers can do well if they work for good leadership. For classified staff, there's very little growth and raises are capped after a few yrs. 

I am in classroom of ten students ranging from grades 9-12. They are all unique individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, as well as autism. 
Helping students navigate through academic, recreational, and physical activities assigned by the teacher. We have an individual education plan for each of our students that we follow to better assist them in their specific needs. 
I also assist with toileting/hygiene, and feeding. 
We currently have a great team in the classroom. It is a fun and upbeat atmosphere, in which we create for the students. It makes the learning process more interesting and enjoyable for them. The staff is very supportive.
The most enjoyable part of the job is getting to see the students progress and achieving their goals. It is very rewarding!

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Instructional assistant 66 salaries reported	$21.10 per hour
Student assistant 17 salaries reported	$22.15 per hour
Nutrition assistant 16 salaries reported	$20.96 per hour
Security specialist 12 salaries reported	$22.40 per hour
Health specialist 11 salaries reported	$29.40 per hour

Working at Poway Unified School District: Company Overview and Reviews

Poway Unified School District

Poway Unified School District Ratings

Popular jobs at Poway Unified School District

Salary Satisfaction

Job Seeker Tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected