Instructional Assistant Teacher

About the Employer

2026-27 Instructional Assistant - Certified - Various Locations

Job Title

Instructional Assistant - Certified - Various Locations

Purpose Statement

The job of the Instructional Assistant - Certified is to support the instructional program at the school site in the absence of the regular ESP employee. The position is interim status, meaning it may not continue into the following school year, and is potentially, though not necessarily intended, subject to transfer within the year based on the overall needs of district programming.

Reporting Structure

This job reports to the Site Administrator.

Essential Functions

Maintaining a Positive Learning Environment

Maintains a positive learning environment for all students and a professional relationship with all staff in accordance with district policy.

Communication

Communicates with administration, staff, and/or parents for the purpose of conveying information.

Supporting Classroom Teachers

Supports classroom teachers and other school personnel to help ensure a safe and positive learning environment.

Monitoring Student Behavior

Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings for the purpose of ensuring student compliance with established guidelines and maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.

Maintaining Confidentiality

Maintains confidentiality of all student and staff records.

Reporting Incidents

Refers incidents, including personal injuries, altercations, suspicious activities, rule violations, etc., to appropriate site personnel for the purpose of ensuring follow-up in accordance with administrative, site security, and student safety guidelines.

Observing and Reporting

Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students (e.g., accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, violations of rules, safety conditions, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.

Responding to Emergencies

Responds to a variety of situations (e.g., injured student, fights, vandalism, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety or security concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.

Other Duties

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

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Skills are required to perform single tasks using existing skills. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: Adhering to district policy, safety practices, and procedures; Operating standard office equipment, including pertinent software applications.

Knowledge

Knowledge is required to perform basic math; read and follow instructions; and understand 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; Age-appropriate activities; School safety and security practices.

Ability

Ability is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; 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 specific, job-related data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment.

Some problem-solving may be required to identify issues and select action plans. Problem-solving with data requires adherence to prescribed guidelines, whereas problem-solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: Communicating with diverse groups; Maintaining confidentiality;* Working as part of a team.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision in some cases; working under immediate supervision in some cases; and leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; Some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling;* Significant fine-motor dexterity.

Generally, the job requires 10% sitting, 45% walking, and 45% standing. The job is performed under extreme temperatures and in conditions with some exposure to the risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience

Job-related experience is required.

Education

BS/BA required.

Equivalency

Required testing certificates and licenses: Substitute Certificate / Arizona Teaching Certificate; First Aid/CPR Certificates;* Continuing Ed./Training.

Clearances

Clearance requirements: Criminal Background Clearance; Valid Arizona DPS Level I/IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card (www.azdps.gov/services/public/fingerprint).

Paradise Valley Unified School District Compliance Statement

Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the school's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.