Academic Instructional Assistant

Join The Upper Canada District School Board

Creating Futures, Leading and Learning for All

We are currently accepting applications Academic Instructional Assistant. Under the supervision of the Principal/Vice Principal and the direction of the classroom teacher inclusive of special education, co-op and/or guidance teacher, the Academic Instructional Assistant supports teachers with assessment by monitoring, tracking, and recording day school lessons, digital lessons, correspondence lessons and PLAR lessons. The Academic Instructional Assistant also provides ongoing feedback (through lesson assessments, observations and interactions with learners) to the classroom teacher or continuing education teacher who is responsible for the summative evaluation of the learners. The Instructional Assistant must be flexible, collaborative and work as a team of educators.

This position is covered under the UCDSB/CUPE collective agreement. For more information on employment information such as entitlements, pay, staffing, job protection, union security and dues information under the agreement please to view it on our external website.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possesses a university degree in the required discipline.
• Related employment or volunteer experience in teaching, youth counseling or social work is an asset.
• An Adult Education Certificate would be considered an asset.
• Current behavioural management system (BMS) training (or equivalent) is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Skills Required

• Demonstrated success in working with youth
• Demonstrated effective ongoing and professional communication with students
• Understanding of the role assessment plays in guiding learners’ efforts towards improvement.
• Ability to develop a capacity to work with expectations and related standards of achievement.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication, listening and organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work with a culturally and socially diverse student population and handle stressful situations in a professional and respectful manner using tact, discretion and good judgement.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and act as a team player
• Ability to accommodate as they arise in support of individual student learning (e.g. adjusting the physical space, bringing together a group for learning).
• Demonstrated ability to respect and maintain confidentiality of information
• Basic proficiency in computer applications such as: software applications, word processing, database spreadsheet. Intermediate proficiency in e-mail and Internet applications.

Duties & Responsibilities: (Any or all of the following)

• Supports teachers with assessment by monitoring, tracking, and recording progress/completion of learning tasks, correspondence lessons, and provides ongoing feedback (through lesson assessments, observations and interactions with learners) to the classroom teacher or continuing education teacher who is responsible for the summative evaluation of the learners.

• Tutors individual students encountering difficulties with the learning materials, adapts learning tasks (i.e. assignments) in consultation with teaching staff to meet individual student needs.

• Provides on-going and descriptive feedback to learners
• Conveys information to students regarding classroom behavior as established by the teacher and school administration
• Documents student learning accomplishments, productivity, attendance and behaviour as required by teacher and school administration
• Reinforces and assists learners to develop positive attitudes towards education and appreciation of lifelong learning
• Participates in student case conference meeting with the educational team; time to time with agency stakeholders (e.g. community partners)
• Implements administrative directives to ensure compliance with school procedures, rules and regulations.
• As part of a collaborative team, provides information and commentary on school improvement plans to both the teacher and school administration team
• Works as part of the educational team to identify short and long-term goals
• Supervises students as directed and coordinated by the Principal/Vice Principal and/or their designate.
• Supports teachers in maintaining a safe and respectful environment in alignment with the UCDSB student code of conduct.
• Attends professional development activities provided by the School Board
• Depending on specific school programming, may be responsible for communicating students’ progress with school staff; including reporting attendance and sending/requesting work to teachers or schools or TR Leger; student referral and tracking meetings.
• Develops an understanding of the patterns and challenges of at-risk youth to assist in facilitating education opportunities
• Acts as a part of the team to communicate and liaise with community agencies, and parents/guardians regarding student progress and achievement
• Demonstrates good attendance and work in a healthy and safe manner.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Effort Required (Physical & Mental)

Work requires light manual physical effort and physical exertion in a variety of normal positions, e.g. sitting, standing, walking. Light lifting may be required.

Concentration required as accuracy and attention to detail is important; ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

A high degree of mental effort is required resulting from such things as being aware of surroundings and the whereabouts of students to ensure safety in maintaining a safe and respectful environment in alignment with the UCDSB student code of conduct.

Working Conditions

Generally agreeable working conditions such as those found inside schools, adult/alternative learning environment or equivalent work areas. The physical environment may include exposure to garbage, dirt, dust, noise, infectious and communicable diseases.

Work in an environment with frequent interruptions.

Adverse social conditions may include: dealing with demanding people, lack of privacy and physical and/or verbal aggression from agitated persons which may be difficult to anticipate or avoid even with due care and caution.

Application

Your completed application on Apply to Education must include the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Updated Applicant Profile
• Complete responses to job related questions

You may also wish to attach relevant diplomas, certifications, reference letters, etc. relevant to your application.

References

UCDSB requires your current and two most recent direct supervisors.

If your experience is in a day-to-day occasional capacity ensure that you list the length of time that you worked for that Supervisor and whether the assignment was casual day-to-day or in a long-term occasional capacity.

The UCDSB does not accept colleagues or personal references.

Selection Process

The UCDSB selection process includes a review of required qualifications, interview and assessment process, and reference checks. All employment offers are conditional on candidates providing a valid criminal record check for the vulnerable sector.

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is committed to equity in employment. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the diverse population we serve. The UCDSB is committed to providing accommodations [for people with disabilities]. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. This would be facilitated upon receiving an interview and would be done by contacting Human Resources at

The UCDSB may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to screen, select and/or assess applicants in the hiring process. AI is not used to make final hiring decisions.