Education Specialist (Temporary Full-Time) 1.0 FTE

Parkland School Division; City of Spruce Grove; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading school division in Spruce Grove is seeking an Education Specialist who will assist the Science Department by providing laboratory support. The role includes preparing materials for experiments, maintaining a safe lab environment, and supporting teachers in the classroom. Ideal candidates should possess a Bachelor of Science, have relevant experience, and hold certifications in First Aid and WHMIS. The position offers a dynamic work environment focused on student learning and success.

Benefits

Flexible health benefits package

Professional learning opportunities

Dynamic and progressive work environment

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of related experience.
• Experience working in a laboratory setting.
• Courses in Special Needs Disorders and Behaviour Management would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Assist with classroom instruction and support teachers.
• Communicate safe handling of chemicals to staff and students.

Skills

Good communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to take direction and work independently

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree or equivalent

Educational Assistant Certificate

Current WHMIS/GHS certificate

First Aid Certificate

Job description

Are you interested in working with our dynamic and progressive school division to pursue excellence in education for students, professional learning opportunities, a flexible health benefits package, and a workplace that embraces diversity? Then we are the place for you!

Who We Are And What We Value

Parkland School Division (PSD) is a large progressive school jurisdiction serving Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Fort Chipewyan and Parkland County. PSD meets the diverse educational needs of over 12,000 rural and urban students among 23 sites, including outreach schools and alternative education programs.

Our values are what guide us. We strive for learning opportunities that are purposeful, essential, relevant, authentic and responsive while aiming for excellence in achievement. PSD also values trustworthy, respectful relationships that promote resilience as students and staff work towards our Ultimate Goal: Student Success & Well-being.

The Parkland School Division has a Temporary full-time (1.0 FTE) position as an Education Specialist available at Spruce Grove Composite High School located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. The Education Specialist role is that of a technical assistant to the Teachers in the Science Department. The incumbent is responsible for providing efficient laboratory services achieved throughout the coordination and control of supplies and equipment as required by the Science Department.

EXISTING PERMANENT EMPLOYEES: As an existing CUPE employee you are eligible to apply and if successful you will maintain your Permanent status. At the conclusion of the Temporary Position, you will be returned to the same or similar position (and at the same location, if possible) as you were previously in.

NEW EMPLOYEES: As a temporary employee you will not be eligible for leave entitlements and benefits. The provisions of the Collective Agreement apply to Temporary Employees, except the following listed in Article 2.06 (Probationary Period, Seniority, Layoff and Recall, Sick Leave, Leave of Absence, Health Plan Benefits, Local Authorities Pension Plan).

Function and Purpose of Position

Education Specialists assist teachers with many instructional and non-instructional tasks in the classroom and with other school activities. Education Specialists work as members of the school and as members of a student support team. Education Specialists have met PSDs mandatory educational requirements. The minimum mandatory educational requirement is an Educational Assistant Certificate or comparable education.

Duties

• Work effectively with staff and students by creating positive working relationships.
• Gather and prepare materials for Science labs and demonstrations,
• Deliver experiments and demonstrations to appropriate areas
• Prepare solutions as per lab requirement,
• Actively assist and participate in the instruction of labs and demos to students
• Assist with classroom instruction at the request of the teacher
• Prepare and maintain biological specimens as required
• Communicate safe handling of chemicals to teaching staff and students
• Dispose of chemical waste
• Clean equipment, materials and glassware used in labs
• Ongoing inspections and record keeping of lab safety equipment
• WHMIS 2015/GHS site labeling of solutions and chemicals
• Update and maintain WHMIS/GHS and SOS records on chemical inventory
• Maintain security of lab areas including supervision
• Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies in good order
• Attend to minor repairs and send out equipment needing major repairs
• Provide information to the Science Lead Teacher to assist in budget planning
• Keep an accurate inventory of chemicals, equipment, and audio visual materials
• Keep records of outstanding orders
• Receive supplies and do checks against packing slips and invoices, stock supplies as received
• Order and pick up locally available teaching and laboratory supplies
• Order supplies, chemical, and equipment as needed, in consultation with the Science Lead Teacher
• Clerical assistance to the Science Department as time and workload permit
• Identification and production of possible future labs and new chemicals in consultation with teachers and researching online virtual labs working in conjunction with current labs in courses as time permits
• Able to use technology (Google Suite) for communication
• Supervise in other settings when available (classroom, student spaces, etc)
• Work with the Science Department to inspire student interest in science
• Emergency response back up supervisor for fire drills, lockdown, etc.
  
  

Education Specialists May

Work under the supervision of one teacher or several different teachers

Work independently with students or in the classroom with the teacher

Work with a particular special needs student or a group of students within a class or in a special program

Work as part of a multidisciplinary team

Perform clerical tasks in the classroom or school

Instructional Support

Provide assistance in all curriculum areas/one on one or in small groups as directed by teacher.

Help with organizing notebooks, timetables, agendas, and lockers.

Scribe notes from board, scribe and read exams for students as required.

Modify and adapt the program for individual students as directed by the classroom teacher.

Assist in the implementation of Individual Program Plan (IPP) goals and adaptive devices.

Assist students with computer access.

Provide support to students utilizing various educational software packages.

Apply foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit for the benefit of all students.

Behaviour

Under direction of the teacher, observe, chart and monitor individual student progress and behavior.

Assist the teacher in maintaining a safe and secure environment for both students and staff through the application of de-escalation strategies and non- violent physical intervention techniques.

Deal with student behaviour and assists with classroom discipline.

Communication and Reporting

As requested by the teacher, communicate observations regarding health and behaviours to the teacher (as gathered in logs, charts, and data sheets).

Participate in student team conferences when requested by the teacher.

Assist Teacher/Classroom Preparation

Organize bulletin board display, photocopy material, laminate articles and prepare snacks.

Modify and prepare materials for special needs student.

Ensure equipment and facilities are kept in a clean, safe, orderly manner.

Assist in marking, testing, and filing of student work.

Prepare, set up, and dismantle displays, information areas and work areas.

Supervise Students

Supervise and assist students in preparing for special activities (preparation for swimming lessons, skating, etc.).

Ability to work in a variety of environments and conditions (e.g. swimming, playground equipment, community facilities).

Ability to provide active supervision and support with students in typical school related physical activities for full work hours (including gym, playground equipment, track and field, classroom and hallways.

Supervise small groups on field trips.

Student Personal Development

Assist in building the self-esteem and self-confidence of students.

Encourage students to participate in classroom activities to build social skills.

Administer first aid as required.

Education And Experience

• Education:
• Bachelor of Science Degree or equivalent/relevant degree or diploma,
• Experience working in a laboratory setting,
• Current WHMIS/GHS certificate
• First Aid Certificate
• Experience:
• 1 to 3 years of related experience.
  
  

Equivalencies will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills And Attitudes

Good oral and written communication skills

Good interpersonal skills

A good sense of humour

Good health and physical fitness

The ability to take direction and work independently

Flexibility, patience, sensitivity, tolerance, enthusiasm, creativity and imagination

The ability to deal with the emotional and mental stress of working with children/group of children/school setting.

First Aid Certificate

Courses or training in Attention Deficit Disorder, Special Needs Disorders, English as a Second Language, Behaviour Management, Crisis Prevention, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and Food Handling and Preparation, would be an asset

Knowledge of office equipment

Knowledge of computers

Some assignments may require use of own vehicle

This work is most rewarding for those who enjoy working with people (especially physically, emotionally and behaviorally challenged children), having clear rules and guidelines for their work, and finding innovative ways to handle situations.

Decision Making

Education Specialists make decisions in order to assist the implementation of instructional plans as directed by the teacher. Examples: 1.) Once tasks are assigned the Education Specialist may decide on the sequence of events such as how to format and prepare classroom resources and educational materials to suit the needs of the student(s) (e.g. photocopying, and some word processing). 2.) A decision related to supervision of students various activities and events under the direction of the teacher (e.g., group children for field trips in manageable groups). 3.) How to design and set up bulletin board displays and/or information areas to support instructional objectives of the teacher.

Working With Others

Some of the usual contacts that Education Specialists will have in this position are:

• Employees in the same school as there will be an exchange of everyday information and may require explanation and interpretation of that information.
• Employees in other schools will exchange factual or everyday information.
• Daily communication with students will require explanation and interpretation of everyday information.
• As directed by the teacher communicate observations regarding health and behaviours to the teacher (as gathered in logs, charts, and data sheets).
  
  

Work is performed under frequent or close supervision. Specific directions and instructions are provided during work process.

Physical Demands

The Education Specialist may be required to routinely lift items weighting up to 50 lbs. Sometimes, heavier lifting may be required to help children move into and out of wheelchairs. EAs may also use mechanical lifts for students.

Ability to work with students in a variety of positions (i.e. sit on Chair or floor, kneel, stand, bend or reach to assist.

Ability to walk easily, maneuver stairs and move from one position or place to another with sufficient ease to respond to student need in a timely manner.

Working Conditions

Education Specialists work indoors except when supervising children outdoors or going on field trips.

Education Specialists may have the same holiday schedule as teachers, including a long summer break as well as winter and spring breaks. However, they work on a ten-month contract basis and therefore are not paid during the summer months.

The scheduled hours to be worked will be determined by each specific position.

This position may require the use of a personal vehicle as per job posting.

Additional Information

Education Specialists must agree to respect the confidentiality and personal integrity of students, parents, teachers and other staff.

This position requires an original copy of a current clean criminal record check with vulnerable sector and an original copy of a child intervention record check.

This position is covered by the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 5543

Hours of Work: 35 hours/week

Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Pay Rate: $28.07/hr-$31.61/hr (Category 5)

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