Interim Bright Beginnings PK Educational Assistant-WBES

Dickson County Schools; White Bluff (TN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Dickson County Schools is seeking an Educational Assistant to support teachers and students at the assigned school. This 200-day contract with a 10-month calendar offers flexible hours under the supervision of the principal.

The role requires strong English communication, patience, and the ability to work with diverse youth. Key duties include preparing instructional materials, tutoring students, supervising activities, and handling clerical tasks to help maintain an effective learning

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience working with youth is frequently preferred.
• Strong reading, writing and speaking English skills.
• Ability to work with diverse student populations.

Responsibilities

• Assists teachers in classroom activities; oversees, monitors, or conducts classes during temporary absence of teachers; assists in setting up activities and projects; prepares instructional materials.
• Provides tutoring or one-on-one assistance to students in basic skills and supports lesson plan development.
• Monitors students in common areas and assists with field trips and behavior management as needed.
• Performs clerical tasks, handles student records, and assists with routine library/office duties.
• Administers basic first aid and notifies parents or guardians as necessary.

Skills

Experience with youth

English communication

Patience

Diversity sensitivity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description:

Educational Assistant

Reports To:

Principal

Dept/School:

Assigned School

Employment:

200 Day Contract, flexible hours

Calendar:

10 months /200 days

Salary Grade:

Grade 9 (Classified Scale)

Date Revised:

2/11/2026

Qualifications:

A high school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Previous experience working with youth is frequently preferred.

Strong communication skills (reading, writing, speaking English), patience, and the ability to work with diverse student populations.

Performance Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Assists the teachers in classroom or other educational setting; oversees, monitors, or conducts classes during the temporary absence of teachers; assists teachers in setting up and conducting various class activities and projects; works with and assists students during class activities and projects; prepares instructional materials for classroom use; copies materials for use by teachers; sets up audio/visual equipment for viewing of films/videos; assists in administering and grading tests; assists in evaluating student performance and skill levels; creates bulletin boards, displays, or wall decorations; and assists with cleanup activities.
2. Provides tutoring or one-on-one assistance to students in basic educational skills; assists students with word study, spelling, sentence writing, reading, math, science, physical education, or other areas; utilizes computerized instruction programs and selects appropriate reading levels; instructs students in individual sports or exercising techniques as appropriate; assists with the development of lesson plans
3. Monitors students in cafeteria, auditorium, halls, bus zones, or other common areas; organizes groups of students upon arrival/departure; seats students in appropriate areas; assists in cleaning tables or spills; chaperones students during field trips.
4. Monitors behavior/activities of students; mediates disputes between students; handles situations involving excessive noise, disruptive behavior, or other problems; initiates disciplinary action per prescribed policies; monitors students in an isolated environment during detention.
5. Performs clerical tasks in support of teaching activities, office operations, or other school functions; answers telephone calls, provides information, or records messages; enters and retrieves various data into student records manually or via computer system; transfers student records to/from other schools; generates various reports; copies, laminates and/or assembles various documentation; mails letters to notify parents of meetings; organizes/distributes materials for school pictures, school sales, or other projects; sends/receives faxes; sorts/distributes mail; orders supplies for office or school bookstore; assists with routine tasks in the library or other school functions.
6. Performs miscellaneous tasks as needed; checks students for possible illness; administers basic first aid to sick/injured students; contacts parents regarding sick children, student detentions/suspensions, needed supplies, or other issues; makes announcements over public announcement system; assists parents with dismissal of children from school.
7. Prepares and receives various documents pertaining to student instruction and school operations, including forms, reports, correspondence, logs, lesson plans, progress reports, charts, instructional materials, policies and procedures manuals, reference material, enrollment records, attendance records, or other documents; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate.
8. Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, academic instruction, or other programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner; coordinates service/repair activities as needed.
9. Operates various equipment and tools associated with projects and work activities, which may include a printer, fax machine, copy machine, laminator, paper cutter, die cut machine, television, VCR, filmstrip projector, tape recorders, public announcement system, intercom, telephone, calculator, fans, heaters, sports paraphernalia, or art supplies.
10. Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, school officials, teachers, students, parents, vendors, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review the status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
11. Attends staff meetings, PTA meetings, parent meetings, M-Team meetings, or other meetings as needed.
12. Assignment to the computer reading lab involves monitoring, assisting, and instructing students with the operation of the computers and reading assistance software applications: develops lesson plans in conjunction with the reading program; troubleshoots and resolves routine computer problems, requesting technical support as needed; and monitors student conduct to ensure discipline and orderly behavior.
13. Instructional assistants shall assist classroom teachers in keeping records as required by legislation, the State Board of Education, the Department of Education, or as deemed necessary at the local level.
14. The building principal shall have the responsibility of assigning general fund instructional assistants to non-instructional supervision of students, which may include, but is not limited to: (TCA 49-2-303(b)(6): Lunchroom duty, bus duty, recess or playground duty, before or after school duty, or other related activities.
15. Instructional assistants may work with students in instructional activities; however, assistants must at all times be under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher. (TCA 49-2-203(a)(1) Assistants may not be used in lieu of the teacher to provide instruction, but may be used in the implementation of the lesson plan as the teacher deems appropriate.
16. Instructional assistants should assist teachers in preparing for instruction, including, but not limited to, making materials, determining procedures, and developing lesson plans.
17. Instructional assistants may administer and score tests, including, but not limited to, screening instruments, placement tests, mastery learning tests, and achievement tests, which do not require professional training and expertise. Assistants should be trained in proper testing procedures and should at all times be under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher or other trained professional.
18. Instructional assistants may assist teachers in establishing and maintaining a learning environment that is conducive to academic progress. Assistants should be knowledgeable of classroom rules and procedures and should be trained in the utilization of techniques that promote time on task and appropriate classroom behavior. Assistants shall follow the same discipline plan of the school and shall administer consequences (both positive and negative) only as directed by the classroom teacher or building principal

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

1. Conducts various errands as needed.
2. Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
3. Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Utilization of instructional assistants should enable teachers to devote a greater percentage of the school day to the direct instruction of students. To realize the maximum benefit from these assistants, the following qualifications are recommended for t hose employed to fill the positions:

1. Personal traits
2. Emotional stability
3. Empathy, warmth, and compassion for others
4. Sense of humor
5. Love of children
6. Respect for individuality
7. Enthusiasm for work with young children
8. Energetic and creative
9. Honest, fair, and patient with students, parents, and other staff
10. Education and Experience
11. Education equivalent to graduation from a state approved high school is the minimum requirement.
12. Previous work experience related to clerical, supervisory, and instructional responsibilities outlined above should be considered.
13. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
14. Good knowledge of standard English, including the ability to speak and write clearly.
15. Skilled in completing various forms neatly and accurately
16. Ability to understand and follow directions of the teacher.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization

Requires the ability to calculate and/or tabulate data. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.

Human Interaction

Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in a supervisory capacity.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization

Requires the ability to start, stop, operate and monitor the functioning of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude

Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude

Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Functional Reasoning

Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning

Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability

Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

MEntal Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used:

Standard office equipment including computer; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students

Posture:

Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion:

Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting:

Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment:

Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise

Mental Demands:

Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Notes:

The duties outlined are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment for this classification.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The duties outlined are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment for this classification.