Instructional Assistant - Lower Montessori, Available 2026 - 2027 School Year

Instructional Assistant

This is a 185 day position. Pay Schedule: Grade 104 This position is for the 2026 - 2027 school year. To achieve the Highly Qualified designation required for this position, please upload any one of these items to your current application: a college transcript(s) showing at least 60 hours of college credit (an unofficial copy is fine), or a copy of your diploma showing an earned Associate's or Bachelor's degree (a screenshot is fine), or a passing score on the ParaPathways exam. The Reading and Writing section requires a passing score of 332; the Mathematics section requires a passing score of 334. Study materials are available online at (link to Praxis). Study videos are available online. Contact the WR Rogers Adult Education Center at and email Dr. Sharmain Slay-Taylor at as soon as possible to request an appointment to take the exam. Exams are offered at no cost for the first administration on Thursdays, but you must be pre-registered. Please upload a copy of one of these documents under the Application Materials section of your application.

Position Summary

Under general supervision, provides teaching assistance to assigned Teacher(s), student(s), and/or classroom(s). Assists teachers with academic instruction and classroom activities; implements instructional programs, lesson plans, and assessments as directed; reinforces skills to assist in improving the academic success of students; and supervises individual or groups of students. Maintains a climate that promotes respect, tolerance, and collaborative problem solving for all students.

Minimum Requirements

Education

High School Diploma. Note: Highly Qualified designation: Documentation of completion of 60 credit hours of study towards a degree program at an accredited institution of higher education or a passing score on a South Carolina Department of Education-approved assessment required.

Certification/License

Must possess a valid South Carolina driver's license or government issued picture ID.

Work Experience

Additional work experience gained through education, training, and certification requirements that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the general concepts of child growth and development and child behavioral characteristics.
• Knowledge in the application of classroom instruction and teaching.
• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the school and District which pertain to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of District and school safety and security procedures.
• Knowledge and use of computer applications relevant to the position.
• Ability to provide instruction to students through explanation, demonstration, and/or supervised practice.
• Ability to supervise students and maintain order in various classroom and instructional activities and situations.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding, patient, warm, and receptive attitude towards students.
• Ability to interact with coworkers, parents, supervisors, and the general public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.
• Ability to anticipate work to be completed and initiate proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with little to no supervision and instruction.
• Ability to apply judgment and complex logic in defining problems, collecting information, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Ability to maintain high standards of organization, accuracy, and timeliness in exercising duties.
• Ability to work independently and as a productive member of a team.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, continually changing work environment.
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions in a flexible manner and difficult, stressful situations in a professional and appropriate fashion.

Essential Duties

• Assists classroom teachers with academic instruction and classroom activities; prepares materials; implements instructional programs, lesson plans, and assessments as directed.
• In coordination with the classroom teacher, provides direct instruction to students through explanation, demonstration, and/or supervised practice to increase student learning and maximize time on task.
• Assists students, individually or in groups, by presenting and/or reinforcing concepts, modeling appropriate behavior, etc.
• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher to provide the opportunity for all students to participate in classroom activities.
• Administers various types of assessments to monitor students' progress, as required by District and State testing policies. Assists with the maintenance of accurate and complete student records.
• Creates and maintains a positive learning environment by implementing appropriate behavioral supports, interventions, and management strategies. Ensures a safe, orderly environment that encourages students to take responsibility for their behavior. Assists and enforces school rules, Board policies, and District procedures.
• Integrates a variety of technology applications and tools to augment student learning, including assistive technology as appropriate.
• Adheres to safety practices and implements individual and/or group behavior management programs as required.
• Assists with the maintenance of the classroom to provide a clean, safe environment.
• Carefully supervises and monitors students in various activities and settings, including the classroom, hallways, lunch periods, playgrounds, field trips, bus loading areas, etc.
• Adheres to the highest standards of confidentiality concerning sensitive matters, students, and staff.
• Uses good judgment in responding to emergency situations (e.g., health emergencies, run away situations, fights, injuries, etc.). Promptly reports observations and incidents to resolve safety or health concerns, to provide appropriate documentation, and/or communicate information to appropriate personnel.
• Promptly reports suspected instances of child abuse and/or neglect as required by applicable South Carolina laws, District policies, and school procedures.
• Promptly reports incidents or concerns such as fights, suspected alcohol or substance abuse, possession of weapons, student or other health/safety concerns, etc., adhering to appropriate policies and procedures.
• Establishes a professional rapport with students and staff that fosters their respect. Displays the highest standards for ethical and professional behavior while working with students, parents, school personnel, District staff, community members, and other parties.
• Presents a positive image of Richland School District Two and complies with the District's Board policies at all times.
• Participates in professional development led by District specialists and school-based leadership teams.
• Serves as a role model for others; dresses professionally and appropriately for the position; willingly accepts assigned responsibilities; and demonstrates pride in the education profession.
• Demonstrates prompt, regular attendance and is available to work during normal business hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions

The physical abilities and working conditions are representative of, but not intended to be, an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from Federal, State, Local, or District authorities, the requirements of this position may change to best serve the needs of our students.

Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods of time.

Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.

Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone, computer, or virtual setting.

Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers; twist and bend at wrist and elbows; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.

Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh fifteen (15) or more pounds on a frequent basis.

Environmental Requirements: Ability to work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors; work outdoors as necessary for the position.

Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret, and apply information on a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a proficiency level appropriate to the position; sound judgment; the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understands and adequately manages stressful situations.

Additional Work Conditions and Physical Abilities: Reliable transportation required.

Richland School District Two is committed to providing equal access to educational and employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity status, spousal affiliation, or any other