Norfolk Elementary SchoolsNorfolk, MassachusettsNorfolk Elementary Schools Norfolk, MassachusettsTitle: General Education Instructional AssistantPosition: The Instructional Assistant is employed to support and assist in the delivery of the core curriculum and in meeting the daily instructional needs of students, under the direction of the classroom teacher. Qualifications: Associates Degree or ParaPro Certificate required. Bachelors Degree preferred. College-level training in education, special education, child development, or psychology is highly desirable.Reports To: Building Principal, Director of Student Support ServicesWork Year: 10-month school year position (183 Days)Essential Job Functions: Academic Support: Assist students in accessing the general education curriculum.Assist teachers by preparing materials for lessons, classroom activities, and assessments.Work with individual students or small groups on prescribed educational programs to reinforce skills under the direct supervision of the educator.Assist the teacher in creating and maintaining an instructional environment that is organized, predictable, and conducive to learning.Maintain clear, professional communication and collaboration with general education classroom teachers, specialists and students.Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health Support: Support and implement the behavioral philosophy and positive behavioral intervention frameworks of the building as defined by educators.Encourage appropriate student behaviors by assisting with motivation, engagement, and positive behavior management strategies.Support students in developing self-regulation, coping mechanisms, and social competencies during structured and unstructured times.Adhere strictly to the Norfolk Public Schools Physical Restraint Policy and the Norfolk Public Schools Crisis Intervention Policy.Instructional and Non-Instructional Supervision: Support students across all school environments to ensure safety and inclusion, including but not limited to arrival and dismissal duties, lunchroom supervision, recess duties, field trips, classroom transitions, and general work habits.Attend specialist classes (such as Art, Music, Physical Education, and Media) with students as determined by the IEP Team or specialist teacher to support participation and behavioral regulation.Assist in maintaining clean, safe, and organized classroom areas appropriate for learning.Student-Specific Physical and Personal Care Guidelines: Preschool: Respond to the specific physical needs of students, including proper positioning, lifting, and the reinforcement of gross/fine motor self-help skills.Preschool: Assist individual students with personal care routines, including toileting, hygiene, and feeding or the explicit teaching of utensil use, while preserving student dignity, as needed.Support the teacher with completing school-to-home communication logs as directed.Kindergarten: Assist individual students with supervision during bathroom breaks, lunchtime, and playground time to ensure a safe learning environment.Professionalism and Responsibility: Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, maintain an appropriate professional demeanor, and serve as a positive role model within the school setting.Maintain absolute confidentiality regarding student records, family information, and staff consultations at all times.Work collaboratively with all building staff and contribute positively to the overall school climate.Demonstrate strong operational reliability, responsibility, and punctual attendance for work hours and all assigned duties (e.g., bus duty, lunch, or recess duty).Complete all required district training.Select appropriate, professional channels for resolving operational or student concerns by addressing them directly with the classroom teacher, special educator, or building administration.Participate actively in district-provided professional development programs.Other Duties: Perform other related duties within the scope of the position as assigned by the Building Principal or Director of Student Support Services.Salary Range: Step 2: $21.41/hour (with Associates Degree or ParaPro Certificate)Step 2: $27.06/hour (with Bachelors Degree +15 credits or higher)Rates established per the Union Agreement between the Norfolk School Committee and the Paraprofessional Unit.
