Instructional assistants are an invaluable asset in the classroom, helping lead teachers in a variety of ways. Individuals in this type of role must have skills such as patience, time management skills, and an ability to work with a diverse range of students. Instructional assistant duties may vary, based on grade level and class size.
Special Needs Assistants
A special education instructional assistant is usually assigned to a single student, allowing for the integration of special education students into mainstream classrooms. The teaching assistant follows the student’s individualized education plan, which is aligned with the classroom teacher’s lesson plan, and assists the student with as many elements of typical classroom work and activities as possible. Instructional assistant duties may include the following:
- Working at a slower or at an accelerated pace with the student
- Providing support, such as reading questions or demonstrating examples
- Ensuring the special needs student is comfortable and accepted among his peers
- Assisting with physical disabilities that might impair educational progress
- Protecting against outbursts or behavioral issues that may arise if a special education student is over stimulated, frustrated, or otherwise needs a break from the classroom
The goal of the instructional assistant in this capacity is to assist their assigned student while ensuring the lead teacher can focus on the instructional needs of the rest of the class as a whole.
Teacher's aides take direction from their lead teacher, and may have a wide range of responsibilities. An instructional aide job description might include:
- Taking attendance
- Supervising students when the lead teachers is otherwise occupied
- Working with small groups on specialized skill sets or projects
- Providing extra assistance for those struggling with material
- Providing advanced learning options for students who want to challenge themselves
- Supervising work stations or activity centers
- Assisting in preparing homework assignments and tests
- Grading materials and entering them into online grade books
- Walking young students to different specialty classes and supervising bus duty or parent drop-off and pick-up
- Printing materials, preparing teaching materials and classroom supplies
An instructional assistant job description may also include helping with organization and classroom management tasks.
Student Teachers and Parent Instructional Assistants
College students studying in the field of education, and parents who have time to volunteer, may also take on instructional aide duties in the classroom. Typically, student teachers follow a prescribed set of actions outlined by their educational institute, in which they direct various segments of instruction and classroom management. Parent assistants often lead reading groups, assist with special event planning and often help teachers with administrative activities, such as prepping materials.
The type of education, training and experience needed for various instructional assistant duties and special education instructional assistants, varies per institution.
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