Instructional Assistant - Vocational Education

Purpose Statement

The job of Instructional Assistant - Vocational Education is done for the purposes of providing instructional support to individual or small groups of students enrolled in a designated vocational education program in a classroom or other learning environment; preparing classroom equipment and instructional materials; maintaining supplies and inventory; and providing record-keeping and clerical support to the teacher(s) and staff.

This Job reports to Assigned Supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Assists a certificated teacher in providing instruction to students enrolled in a designated vocational education program in a classroom or other learning environment; reinforces instruction as directed by the teacher.
• Monitors and oversees student drills, practices, and assignments in a designated area of vocational education or other learning environment; assists assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans; assists students in completing classroom assignments, homework, and projects.
• Communicates with teachers, other staff, and students (e.g. reviews lesson plans and materials, participates in staff meetings, answers questions, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions, communicating and resolving issues, and meeting students needs.
• Follows health and safety practices and procedures (e.g. follows safety and emergency procedures, maintains clean and organized learning environment, reports potential safety hazards.) for the purpose of providing health care and ensuring the safety and security of students.
• Monitors inventory levels of classroom supplies and assists in ordering, receiving, and maintaining supplies.
• Operates a variety of equipment (e.g. audio-visual and instructional equipment, general office equipment, computer and software, industry-standard equipment relevant to Career Technical Education Courses, etc.).
• Performs a variety of general record-keeping and clerical functions (e.g. answering calls, typing, duplicating instructional materials, scoring papers; recording grades, attendance, classroom functions, and assigned activities; preparing and maintaining student records; processing program forms and applications, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher in meeting mandated requirements and providing necessary records/materials.
• Prepares classroom equipment, materials, work area, displays, and exhibits (e.g. project materials/supplies; preparing handouts, etc.) for the purpose of providing support to the teacher; ensuring availability of items; providing a safe learning environment; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Provides instructional support to students, individually or in small groups, under the direction of a certificated teacher (e.g. monitoring and assisting with lesson assignments and projects; providing general guidance with a positive, friendly demeanor; answering questions and providing appropriate examples, reporting student performance and progress, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instruction and learning concepts as directed by the teacher; assisting students in reaching academic goals; and, providing a positive, encouraging learning environment.

• Supports the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures; maintains learning environment in a safe, orderly, and clean manner.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AREAS:

3D ANIMATION

Competency in a variety of software packages is required including Softimage, 3D Studio, etc. 

AGRICULTURE

This position involves working with animals, greenhouse responsibilities, the FFA (Future Farmers of America), and preparing students for participation in the San Diego County Fair.

AUTOMOTIVE

Experience in mechanical and automotive maintenance and repair environment.

Assist in providing instruction to individual or small groups of students in the use of welders, torches, grinders, hand tools, floor jacks, hoists, drill press, 20-ton press, porta powers, tubing, benders, spray equipment, all pneumatic tooling, and spray booth. Assist the instructor to supervise students in multiple learning stations and multiple facilities for safety and to prevent damage to equipment.

CABINETMAKING

This position involves being experienced with hand and power tools.  Trade knowledge of woodworking/cabinetmaking is required.  Aide will be instructing students in safety as well as equipment care.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

This position involves training adults and high school students in child development by working with pre-school children.

COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING

CAD competency is required in a variety of software packages, including AutoCAD 2003.

COMPUTER LAB:

Provide instruction and assistance to students in the use of computers, software and related peripheral equipment for various areas of vocational education; answer questions and perform demonstrations as necessary.  Operate and adjust a variety of computers and peripheral equipment; prepare equipment for student and staff use; install hardware and software and observe elements of the computer for evidence of incorrect performance; turn computers on and off and store required data.

CULINARY ARTS/RESTAURANT SERVICE

Provide a variety of instructional activities to facilitate student learning of various areas of culinary arts/restaurant service; assist students with food preparation, cooking, cashier, serving and other food service-related functions; assure student understanding of food service safety and sanitation standard requirements.

Assist students with measuring and weighing ingredients and calculating, adjusting and extending recipes; estimating needed quantities of food and supplies; assembling, mixing and preparing a variety of ingredients and supplies; cashiering functions including collecting monies, making change, processing transactions and preparing deposits; assure student understanding of food quality, appearance and quality standards; utilization of a variety of food service equipment such as slicers, stoves, fryers, ovens and mixers.

Implement a variety of classroom activities to enhance student understanding of menu design, basic nutrition and inventory functions; manage the restaurant in the absence of the teacher; assist the instructor to supervise students in multiple learning stations and multiple facilities.

DIGITAL MEDIA/VIDEO PRODUCTION

This position requires experience in video production, expertise with various types of cameras and editing equipment.  Aide will be assisting students with projects for competition.

FASHION MERCHANDISING

This position involves assisting the instructor with preparation for field trips to the Merchandise Mart and in presenting a fashion show.

FLORAL DESIGN

Provide a variety of instructional activities to facilitate student learning of practices, procedures and techniques related to the care, conditioning, selection, and arrangement of floral products.

Assist students with developing floral arrangements; understanding of floral standards and requirements; learning related pick-up, delivery, inventory, and cashier functions; utilization of various hand tools and equipment related to the floral industry.

MEDICAL ASSISTING

Must be a certified medical assistant with current CPR/First Aide Certification.

Assists in developing clinical sites for student internships; maintaining a safe environment; setting up and putting away supplies and equipment before and after lab skills; assist instructor in visiting and supervising clinical sites.

Assist students with injections, venipuncture, invasive procedures, and many other lab skills so that each student can meet the state requirements for competency.

PHOTOGRAPHY

This position involves assisting the instructor in teaching camera knowledge, photo layout, and photo processing for traditional as well as digital photography.  Student’s film school activities, with the assistance of the Instructional Assistant, and photo projects are prepared for competition.

SCREEN PRINTING

Provide a variety of instructional activities to facilitate student learning of the screen-printing process and related activities. Assist students with: selecting designs, type styles and color schemes and preparing layouts; reclaiming, preparing and printing screenings; assuring proper exposure time and application of ink and chemicals; spot curing garments as appropriate; troubleshooting and resolving problems related to the preparation, printing and application of screenings; operating and utilizing a variety of specialized equipment including a power washer, exposing unit, infrared dryer, rotary t-shirt press, flat-press, black flash, paper cutter, squeegee and scoop coater.

Provide information and material to students concerning the registration of screens and colors and related requirements and procedures.  Assist the instructor to supervise students in multiple facilities for safety and to prevent damage to equipment.

PARENT PROGRAM

Assist teachers in providing childcare services for children age infancy to preschool.   Assist individual students in achieving required level of proficiency in course work; provide clerical support to teachers; supervise infants and preschool aged children in the childcare center.

Requires a minimum of six college semester units (12 units preferred) in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.  Certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED issued by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.  The reference is 101182 (e) (1) of Title 22, Division 12 (Child Care General Licensing Requirements).  Recertification to maintain current/valid First Aid/CPR/AED status is a condition of employment.

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS (VAPA)

This position will support the technical needs of creative arts in the five VAPA disciplines (dance, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts).

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using pertinent computer and software applications; operating industry-standard equipment relevant to Career Technical Education courses; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: concepts of grammar and punctuation; stages of child development and learning styles; child guidance principles and practices; safe classroom practices; and basic instructional methods and techniques.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; communicating orally and in written form; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working as part of a team; monitoring and reporting student progress and behavior; and working with constant interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity.

Experience      Job related experience is required in related area of assigned career technical subject education (i.e., arts, media and entertainment, agriculture and natural resources, building and construction trades, business and finance, education/child development, energy/environment/utilities, engineering and architecture, fashion, health science, hospitality, information/communication technologies, manufacturing, marketing, public service, or automotive).

Education        Targeted, job related education with study in job-related area.

Equivalency    Possession of a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent and the following: 1) completion of at least two years of study (minimum 48 semester hours) at an institution of higher education; 2) possession of an associate's (or higher) degree; or 3) passing the District's local assessment that demonstrates the knowledge and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics at a level meeting state and federal requirements. Two years experience working with functions related to assigned vocational education program.