Secondary EL Instructional Assistant

Ann Arbor Public Schools; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Ann Arbor Public Schools is seeking a Secondary EL Instructional Assistant to support English Learners at multiple locations. You will work with EL students to bridge language barriers, assist in math, science, social studies, and vocabulary, and help learners adapt to academic and cultural expectations.

The role emphasizes collaboration with EL teachers and staff, with a focus on building inclusive, supportive classrooms.

Qualifications

• Must have completed at least 60 college credits.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Ability to speak at least one language other than English from priority languages.

Responsibilities

• Support English Learners with math, science, social studies and vocabulary.
• Assist students with instructional technology and digital learning tools.
• Create and maintain positive, culturally responsive learning environments.
• Build relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Collaborate with teachers to implement inclusive instructional strategies.
• Participate in district professional development opportunities.
• Attend to students with diverse language needs in multiple subjects.

Skills

Language support

Multilanguage communication

Interpersonal relationships

Education

60 college credits

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Instructional technology

Job description

Position Title Secondary EL (English Learner) Instructional Assistant (IA)

Location Multiple Locations Available

Reports to Building Principal & EL Director

Position Summary

Join our dedicated team supporting English Learners in their educational journey! As a secondary EL Instructional Assistant, you'll play a vital role in creating an inclusive learning environment that fosters academic growth and personal development. You'll work directly with secondary students to bridge language barriers, support learning across various subjects, and help build the foundation for their educational success.

This position is funded with Title funds. No benefits provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Support English Learners with math, science, social studies, vocabulary development and concepts
• Assist students with instructional technology and digital learning tools
• Create and maintain positive, culturally responsive learning environments
• Build effective relationships with students, families, and district staff
• Assist in motivating students to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge appropriate to their individual abilities
• Collaborate with teachers to implement instructional strategies that meet diverse learning needs
• Participate in district-sponsored professional development opportunities

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum: Proof of completion of at least 60 college credit hours
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree
• Ability to speak at least one language other than English from our priority list, preferred
• Capability to support students across multiple subject areas including math, science, social studies, vocabulary development, and instructional technology
• Availability to participate in district-sponsored professional development opportunities
• Willingness to work with students from any language background as needs arise

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, candidates must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Language Requirements

We welcome bilingual candidates who are fluent in English plus any additional language. While we encourage applications from speakers of all languages, we have particular need for candidates fluent in our high-priority languages:

Current High-Priority Languages

• Arabic
• Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese)
• Dari
• French
• Japanese
• Korean
• Pashto
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

We strongly encourage applications from candidates fluent in any language, as our diverse student population benefits from multilingual support. Flexibility to work with students from any language background is valued, as district needs may vary throughout the school year.

Job Responsibilities

• Work under direct supervision of EL teacher, content area, or grade level teacher in a classroom
• Provide transition to ELs using English and/or the student's native language
• Help beginning ELs acquire basic English, academic, and cultural skills
• Help students with grade level and content area assignments and concepts
• Support the classroom/content area teacher with specific information that will facilitate the academic and cultural progress of the student
• Communicate with families when asked to do so to help facilitate classroom learning
• Translate at meetings and conferences when asked to do so by your building administrator
• Communicate with your supervising teacher on a regular basis
• Keep accurate records

This position requires regular and reliable attendance on site to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Language Skills

• Read, write, and comprehend basic instructions, short correspondence, and memos
• Effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to staff, parents, students, and administrators
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing

Mathematical Skills

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, fractions and decimals
• Demonstrate mastery of whole number, fractions, decimals, and percentages in computations

Reasoning Ability

• Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions given in written, oral, or diagram form
• Deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations

Other Skills & Abilities

• Work with parents and children of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• Develop effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community
• Perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. Occasionally the employee will bend or twist at the neck more than the average person. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs such as boxes of books and technology carts. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well being, or work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as reading handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position required the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with public and staff.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is frequently required to interact with the public and other staff. The employee is directly responsible for the safety and well-being of students.