Instructional Assistant

Oakmont Education; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakmont Education in Akron, OH seeks an Instructional Assistant to serve as building substitute and floater across K-8 classrooms. You will support teachers, manage routines, and assist with instructional materials to enhance student learning.

You will monitor progress, aid in differentiated instruction, and contribute to a positive school culture while ensuring student safety and engagement throughout the day.

Qualifications

• Adaptability across K-8 grade levels as a Building Substitute.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities for working with students, families, and staff.
• Strong organizational skills to manage classrooms and administrative tasks.
• Proficiency with technology and educational tools used to support learning.
• Commitment to urban education and the company’s mission and growth.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary building substitute and floater for all K-8 classrooms.
• Assist teachers to maintain classroom routines and manage instructional time.
• Prepare instructional materials and support differentiated instruction.
• Monitor student progress and maintain relevant data for assigned students.
• Support PBIS initiatives and contribute to a positive school culture.
• Ensure health, safety, and discipline while supervising students.

Skills

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organization

Technology proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree

HQT status

Job description

Description

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Director, the Instructional Assistant serves primarily as a Building Substitute and Floater. The primary purpose of this role is to provide versatile instructional support and adaptive classroom coverage across Kindergarten through 8th Grade (K-8) classrooms, performing the necessary duties to assist with instruction for both regular and special needs students.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary job duties and responsibilities:

• Serves as the primary building substitute and floater, maintaining the flexibility and readiness to step into and cover any K-8 classroom at a moment\'s notice.
• Works side by side with the Teacher to function as an appropriate role model for children, providing proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude, and general guidance.
• Creates and manages a caring, supportive, purposeful, and stimulating environment that is conducive to children’s learning.
• Agrees with and commits to the academic goals and philosophy of the company, and understands, abides by, and implements the policies, directives, and guidelines set forth by the management company.

Curriculum and Instruction Responsibilities

• Provides full classroom coverage and instructional continuity for all K-8 grades upon the Director\'s request.
• Assists in classroom management and maintains established classroom routines.
• Assists teachers in preparing instructional materials.
• Maintains data and progress monitoring for assigned students.
• Assists the teacher with differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs.
• Implements, under the supervision of the assigned teacher or independently during coverage, instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of assisting the teacher in improving students’ academic success through a defined course of study.
• Conducts instructional activities assigned by the teacher or outlined in substitute plans.
• Works with individual students or small groups to practice and/or reinforce learning concepts and to assist students in reaching their academic goals and grade-level standards.
• Supervises students during non-instructional times.
• Uses computers and other technology provided by the company to assist and support students in their learning.
• Develops classroom experiences that teach students not only facts but how to apply what they learn to solve real-world problems.
• Ensures high standards of achievement for all students.
• Ensures an orderly, motivational, and aspirational culture and a strong school community where teaching, learning, and healthy relationships can thrive.
• Supports and participates in the school’s PBIS Program.
• Maintains good order and discipline among the pupils, safeguarding their health and safety.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Helps maintain neat and orderly classrooms.
• Assists teachers with administrative records, data, and preparation of required reports.
• Adheres to the appropriate code of ethics and student confidentiality.
• Works with staff to improve student learning and achievement.
• Performs all other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

Necessary and desirable qualifications include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Demonstrated adaptability and willingness to float between different grade levels (K-8) and subject areas daily.
• Must have a passion for improving educational opportunities for urban students and for building a strong, mission-driven organization.
• Commitment to continued personal and professional growth and a commitment to the company’s mission, vision, and growth.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Effective organizational skills with the ability to perform multiple tasks.
• Proven effective classroom instructional and management skills across multiple grade bands.
• Passion for working with and teaching youth of various social, educational, and economic backgrounds and levels.
• Willingness to go above and beyond to support students in achieving academic goals.
• Proficiency in the use of technology.
• Education Preferred: High school diploma or equivalent, or an Associate\'s degree.
• Experience Preferred: 1–2 years’ experience working with students; Certification/licensure in appropriate teaching area; Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) status in teaching assignment.

Working Conditions

This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment. Requires moving between various classrooms throughout the day. May work with challenging students at times.

Physical Requirements

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; significant walking and standing throughout the school day; and significant fine finger dexterity.

Supervision Received

Ongoing feedback cycle

Direct Reports

None.

Conclusion

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or physical demands associated with the position.