Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts – Instructional Assistant
Who is Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts (OCASA)?
Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts is a tuition-free charter school.
We believe in an experiential approach to STEAM-focused education.
Our students learn by doing. They are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, make discoveries, observe patterns, exhibit creativity, and reflect on their own work. With an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, our students apply real-world experiences to understand new concepts. Multiple hands-on labs on campus including Science Lab, Maker Lab, Audio/Visual Lab with Music, Arts Lab, Resource Lab, and Practical Life Studio, encourage exploration and experimentation.
Our students are connected, active and involved participants in our community.
Our students engage with our community through Inquiry Arc projects. Inquiry Arcs are a project-based learning tool in which the entire school focuses on a topic such as the Living Cells, Rockets & Space, Fibonacci Sequence, or California's Missions. Students will explore the topic, choose their focus and exhibit their findings within the school and to the greater community. Inquiry Arc projects teach students how to gather, filter and share knowledge to the benefit of our community and our world.
We provide individualized learning in a collaborative environment.
Each student follows an Individual Learning Plan tailored to their academic, social and emotional, and personal needs and goals within a mixed-age class of their peers. Mixed-age classes encourage older students to be role models and helpers, fostering a culture in which students work together, help each other and genuinely care for one another. Teachers have meaningful relationships with students and their families, and together they ensure the needs of each student are being met.
We are UNIQUE!
A Common Core education is enhanced by the unique facilities, collaborative approach, and project-based learning elements of OCASA's model. Students build the independence to think critically, test ideas, solve problems and reflect on their own learning in an environment that fosters a love of learning.
Job Description
The Instructional Assistant’s primary role is to support the Teacher in performing a variety of instructional activities for students in a General Education classroom. The Instructional Assistant directly engages with the students both individually and in small groups. The Instructional Assistant celebrates failures, is comfortable in controlled chaos, and values the process over the product. Full responsibility for appropriate instruction, curriculum materials, and evaluation procedures remain with the Teacher. As directed by the Teacher, the Instructional Assistant is a:
Hands-on STEAM Helper:
- Helps students develop creative, technical and personal skills through hands-on interest-lead learning.
- Assists with the development and implementation of STEAM Curriculum
- Operates and assists students in the operation of equipment in our multiple hands-on labs.
- Occasionally accompanies students on field trips
- Has experience in teaching, mentoring and/or facilitating in hands-on environments such as summer camp, after-school program, or otherwise.
- Special Education Support
- The IA will be responsible for directly providing support to our students in Special Education under the supervision of our Education Specialist in the General Education classroom and on the playground.
- Help the teacher with student behavior and/or health and personal care
- Assist students with meeting the goals and objectives of their Individual Education Plan (IEP)
- Reinforce instruction to students with learning differences or language, communication, and behavioral problems
- Assist students with developing self-help, toileting, personal hygiene, social and communication skills
- Observe and control behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior
- Respect confidential nature of pupil records and school reports
Project-Based Aide:QualificationsCandidates must meet the following qualifications:
- Assists in preparation ofexperiential, project-based learning activities for the class.
- Aids Teacher in preparing a variety of learning materials. Small Group Tutor:
- Provides individualized and small group instruction as per the Teacher’s instruction. Deputy Parent Liaison:
- Welcomes parent involvement in the classroom
- Occasionally attends back-to-school nights and other school activities.
- Maintains the confidentiality of student records and school reports Team Member:
- Assists in the management of student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and techniques.
- Maintains a variety of records and files.
- Aids in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment.
- Supports teacher in straightening or organizing the classroom or other learning facility.
- Helps in maintaining discipline and monitoring classroom, playground and other campus areas.
- Supervises students daily before school, at recess, lunch, and pickup in order to ensure compliance with school rules and student safety.
- High School Diploma
- Relevant successful experience in a paid or non-paid position working with school-aged children; minimum of two (2) years.
- Be skilled at or be willing to be trained in inquiry-based teaching practices.
- Interest in OCASA’s innovative model of public charter education and commitment to the school’s success.
- Adaptable. OCASA is in a start-up mode and candidates must be willing to embrace change with open arms.
- Commitment to continuous improvement.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Outstanding organizational skills.
- Preferred Qualification
A California teaching credential authorizing instruction of elementary school students
Bachelor’s Degree
Prior experience with project-based learning activities
Youth leadership experience
Experience in a multicultural school environment
Compensation
$21.70 per hour (non-credentialed)
$23.37 per hour (credentialed)
Competitive Benefits
How to apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following:
- Letter of Introduction detailing why you believe you are the right person for the position; include statement about your professional and relevant experience working with students and your passion for working with children.
- Resume
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Grade levels:
- Elementary school
- Kindergarten
- Pre-Kindergarten
Schedule:
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a CA teaching credential and/or valid 30 day substitute permit? If no, are you willing to obtain the 30 day permit (BA + basic skills test required)
- Describe your experience with children ages 4-7 (TK-1 grade)
Work Location: In person