Primary Purpose:

Provides direct translation services and bilingual education support with linguistic interventions for students identified with limited English proficiency (LEP). Works under supervision of certified teacher. Assist teacher in preparation and management of classroom instructional activities. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Certificate

High School diploma or GED (Recognized by the Texas Education Agency or Regional Accrediting Agency)

Valid Texas Educational Aide certificate

NCLB Certification Required

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by employee.

Required Experience:

Experience working with children

Knowledge/Skills:

Bilingual (Spanish/English) capability

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

Knowledge of general office equipment

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community. 

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators 

Instructional Management

The aide promotes improvement of instruction through activities such as the following:

• Assists the teacher in preparing instructional materials, paperwork, and classroom displays with translation.
• Assists with administration (translation of text and in oral delivery) and scoring of objective testing instruments or work assignments.
• Serves as bilingual, linguistic tutor in any area assigned by teacher with focus on student identified as LEP.
• Works with individual students or small student groups to conduct instructional activities and develop academic skills as outlined by the teacher.
• Assists teachers in implementing program objectives that support developmental, behavioral and academic student performance.
• Assumes responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Works with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the classroom teacher.
• Assists in the supervision of students throughout the school day, inside and outside classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty. 
• Keeps teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Provides orientation and assistance to substitute teachers. 

Classroom Management and Organization Improvement

The aide works to improve the classroom, school or organization through activities such as the following:

• Helps with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Helps the teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Assists in managing student behavior, including crisis intervention, physical management of disruptive students and inappropriate behaviors, as needed.
• Assists with maintaining a safe, neat and orderly classroom. 

Communication and Community Relations

The aide works to promote a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following: 

• Supports translation for parents as needed during the school day.
• Be a positive role model for students, support the mission of the district.
• Maintains a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Uses effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly. 

Professional Growth and Development

The aide participates in professional growth and development through activities such as the following: 

• Attends any specified meetings or professional development to improve job performance.           

Qualities of an Effective Aide

The aide exhibits qualities such as the following: 

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Keeps informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Compiles, maintains, and files reports, records, and other documents as required.
• Corrects unsafe conditions in work area that could cause an accident and inform supervisor of any conditions that are not correctable immediately.
• Complies with district policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Complies with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, and standards.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Performs any other duties as assigned by the administration.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Equipment:

Wheelchair lift, ramp, computer, computer software programs and peripherals, teacher resource materials and audiovisual equipment, adaptive equipment, oxygen gauges, laminating machine, printer, copier, fax and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors 

• Maintains emotional control under stress.
• Works with frequent interruptions.
• Works irregular hour and extended work hours to include holidays and weekends.
• Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing.
• Must be able to work on the floor with small groups of children.
• Occasional light lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds); may lift and move textbooks and classroom equipment.
• May be required under specific circumstances to provide physical restraint of students in danger of causing harm to themselves or others.
• Occasional district wide and statewide travel.
• Uses computer for prolonged period resulting in repetitive hand motion.
• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination vibration.
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces. 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.