Learning Associate Job Description

OBJECTIVE: The Learning Associate works with individual and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a certificated teacher in the supervision and instruction of students and assisting students by modeling the necessary skills to perform assignments.

CLASSIFICATION: Classified

LICENSURE: Valid Illinois Paraprofessional or Substitute Licensure

Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

WORK YEAR: 10 months (Classified)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Must be able to follow oral and written directions and have the ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and students. Ability to maintain effective classroom management strategies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
Administers tests, homework assignments, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.
Assists students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
Implements, under the supervision of the teacher, instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
Communicates with teachers and other district personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, assemblies, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment. For Students with IEPs: Responsible for assisting the special education teacher(s)/teacher in the instruction of special education student(s) including: assistance to/from and in the classroom, labs, washrooms, playgrounds, gymnasiums, lunchrooms, libraries, field trips and other educational settings as determined by the special education teacher(s), which may include providing support in the areas of personal care, hygiene and feeding.
Promotes good study habits and student independence for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes.
Translates verbal and written communication(s) for the purpose of assisting students, teachers and parents in communicating (if Bilingual).
Attends meetings and in-service presentations as assigned for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
Assists the special education student(s) in meeting their IEP and gives input into progress reports (if relevant)
Performs other assigned and related duties as assigned by building administrator(s) in accordance with school/district or state policies and practices.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS: In the course of performing the duties and functions job holder will be required to stand, walk, sit, squat/stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach and lift items of varying weights and up to 40 pounds. Ability to communicate (vision, hearing and speech) is required. Ability to travel to assigned work locations without employer support.

Occasional movement of students by wheelchairs and other mechanical devices may be required.
Instruction and the provision of required supports to students with special needs may be necessary.

Must be able to express ideas, interpret situations, and problem solve. Must be able to interact positively and effectively with individuals with diverse learning needs and abilities. Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to use various forms of classroom equipment and technology resources (computer, document camera, copy machines, projectors, etc.), computer applications and related peripherals.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: School building environment. Travel throughout the District may be required. Typical settings include school buildings with classrooms, offices, health suites, gymnasium, cafeteria, auditorium, and recreational areas. The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise and hazards.

The work environment characteristics described here 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 the essential functions.

EVALUATION: Performance of this position is evaluated annually.

Diamond Lake School District #76 assures Equal Employment Opportunities and equal education opportunities for employees and students as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. However, management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.

Pre-K Learning Associate