Special Education Instructional Aide

Compass Charter School’s

mission is to inspire and develop innovative, creative, self-directed learners, scholar at a time. When we start with scholars, we start from a place of possibility. With scholars at the center, we have defined the desired competencies for

Compass employees

that support meaningful learning experiences and create the enabling conditions to bring our vision for scholars to life, creating an innovative, collaborative, learning environment that supports the diverse needs and goals of each scholar, nurtures a love of learning, and prepares them for future success.

• Core Values: Achievement | Respect | Teamwork | Integrity | Communication

Compass

fosters a work environment that is personalized, authentic, competency-based, inclusive and equitable. Our Core Values guide our work every day. Those Core Values are teamwork and achievement for all community members; inclusive, respectful communication and collaboration; and mutual respect and integrity. 

These are the essential requirements to serve in the

Instructional Aide

• role:

 

• Any combination of training/education, and experience equivalent to an associate's degree from an accredited college/university.
• 2+ years of successful experience in comparable private and/or non-profit sector experience, or related school operations
• Bilingual Spanish preferred.
• Experience working with blended,, personalized, and/or virtual learning schools preferred.
• Proficient in digital engagement: computer & software skills. (ie Google Suite and Microsoft), social media literacy (ie Twitter, Google Classroom, website navigation), information & communication (email, intranets), web & mobile applications, interpersonal & social networking skills, and student/school systems (ie student information system, digital courseware, learning platforms).

 

Example duties for the

Instructional Aide

• may include:

• Works on an in-depth basis with individual or small groups of students to execute individual lesson plans and alternative strategies for maximizing learning experiences. Reinforces communication and learning experiences for scholars.
• Assists Case Managers and Special Education Coordinators in tracking scholar ability and progress; provides information and discusses scholar daily activities, progress and needs.
• Provides direct academic, behavioral, and social instructional and assistance to individual or small groups of special education scholars. 
• Confers, as needed, with teachers concerning scholar needs. Alerts general education teachers, supervising teachers, and case managers to any special problems or information concerning scholars
• Provides basic technical support with course set-up and access supplemental curricula.
  Although the Instructional Aide has unique requirements and duties, we believe that all employees play a critical role in the success of each and every scholar. The following competencies are common across every employee:

Essential Competency

• This looks/sounds like:

I am a

Community Leader

and understand that I am a member of a global society. I feel a sense of responsibility to make a contribution both at the local level and in the wider world.

• I embrace shared aspirations that drive organizational goals and actions.
• I support initiatives to allocate resources in alignment with our Framework for the Future and Blueprint for Success.
• I engage in a culture of high expectations and support in which each individual continuously strives to achieve our desired outcomes.
• I support the design of widespread access for educational partners that support meaningful, equitable learning experiences and opportunities.
  I am an

Effective Collaborator

who participates effectively to build understanding of concepts and ideas and completes authentic tasks and projects. I actively listen, strive to understand others and seek to be understood, using these effective communication techniques to create a safe environment in which everyone feels valued and is inspired to achieve common goals. 

• I provide resources and time to support educational partners to effectively meet the needs of each and every scholar.
• I leverage our shared ARTIC values to collaborate with colleagues and educational partners,  to navigate ambiguity and to make difficult decisions required to achieve our desired outcomes.
• I incorporate and utilize strong communication systems to listen and inform colleagues, as well as our educational partners.
• I value educational partners as active participants in the learning process and scholar outcomes.
  I am a

Confident Learner

who strives to be my best self and recognize my purpose and value,  both inside and outside of Compass. I think critically and skillfully evaluate data and  information as a guide to form beliefs and take action.

• I dedicate time to learn, practice and share my growth based on desired outcomes for all scholars.
• I consistently measure the impact of my collective practice on scholars’ progress and utilize that assessment to inform next steps toward achieving our vision.
• I develop strong relationships through consistency, compassion, communication, and competence in my unique role.
  I am an

Innovator

who doesn’t limit myself by what is. I seek to create something new and better in service of achieving my goals and the organizational goals. I synthesize information and explore multiple perspectives to find creative and realistic solutions.

• I support the transition from legacy expectations to the learner-centered conditions that support our Framework for the Future and Blueprint for Success. 
• I leverage systems that embrace agency from individuals and teams.
• I provide access to the tools and resources  scholars need to be successful, while also ensuring privacy, security, scholars’ safety and well-being.
• I effectively use tools and resources to reflect and manage change, overcome hurdles, and measure impact.
  These are additional, essential competencies for all Academic Staff to ensure each Compass Scholar receives the following educational experiences thereby ensuring progress toward the Compass Scholar Profile:

Essential Competency

• This looks/sounds like:

I

Personalize

learning by tailoring to each scholar’s unique strengths, skills, interests, and needs.

• I develop scholar’s metacognition, self-regulation, and perseverance.
• I amplify scholar voice.
• I customize the learning experience.
  I create

Authentic

, relevant learning experiences, grounded in real-world challenges that include applications for authentic audiences. 

• I design real-world learning experiences.
• I promote anytime/anywhere learning.
• I spark collaboration.
  I use

Competency-Based Assessment

, evidence-based instruction, assessments, and feedback cycles (based on progress toward desired knowledge, skills and dispositions) to drive learning. 

• I use assessment and data as tools for learning.
• I plan with a competency-based approach.
• I leverage performance-based assessments.
  I create

Equitable and Inclusive

learning communities that are collaborative and culturally relevant, where every scholar feels they belong and can tap into their full academic potential, contributing to the collective success of their community. 

• I nurture a meaningful and engaging learning community.
• I cultivate a sense of belonging.
• I partner with scholars and their Learning Coaches to support each scholar’s ability to reach their full potential.

• Work Environment:

Position is based in an approved home office in the State of California. As the safety, adequacy, and functionality of the approved home office is key, approval must be provided to work from any other location with the exception of the Central Office. May be required to also work from the Central Office, Learning Center, or other Compass location as directed by supervisor or the Superintendent & CEO. Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed to meet the needs of scholars, Learning Coaches (parents), and staff. Must be able to travel throughout the State of California for school-related activities. Note - you will be required to notify HR if any work will be performed in San Francisco or out of state for any period of time for review and pre-approval.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.