Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District

Job Posting
Internal/External

The Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD) is one of 56 intermediate school districts (ISD) in Michigan.  Every one of the state's 500+ local school districts is part of an ISD.  The EUPISD is a regional education service agency with the primary function to provide or assist our local districts to provide special programs and services.  Within our ISD, there are 19 districts covering 4,000 square miles in three counties and part of another in the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  The total number of PK-12 students is 6,500.   

The EUPISD is funded with a combination of local, state, and federal funds.  The voters of EUPISD have approved a 1.75 mill levy for special education, a .2 mill levy for general operations, and 1.0 mill levy for vocational education.  State aid received is based on annual authorizations from the state legislature.  Our current budget is $35 million.  The EUPISD currently has 210 employees/contractors providing services to our local districts and students. 
 
The EUPISD serves local districts by providing educational services and support in special education, curriculum, early childhood, career and technical education, professional development, business services and technology.  The EUPISD also pursues business, community, and interagency collaboration.  The EUPISD has a long history of collaboration with our local districts that has resulted in the creation of a strong infrastructure in support of all aspects of teaching, learning, compliance, and fiscal management. 

Reports to: Classroom Instructor and/or EUPISD Learning Center Principal

Purpose of Position: The teacher assistant works cooperatively with and under the leadership of the classroom teacher.  The teacher assistant assists in planning, implementation, and monitoring of a comprehensive child development center.  The Teacher Assistant takes an active role in the educational, social, physical, medical, emotional and self-care needs of an individual, or group of students in the Early Childhood/GSRP programs operated by the EUPISD. The assistant teacher may substitute for the teacher in his/her absence.

Period of Employment: Approximately 177 days per year, 6.5 hours per day

Minimum Qualifications:

• Have or obtain within two years - Child Development Associates Credential (CDA) or Associates or higher degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or the equivalent 
• Proficient in using computer technology in office/educational applications 
• Adheres to required confidentiality practices 
• Experience with preschool/Head Start/GSRP 
• Professional tact, diplomacy and presentation with administrators, staff, teachers, students, parents, and the community 
• Possess emotional stability, physical stamina and strength necessary to complete duties, and have an understanding and interest in the needs of early childhood and special education students 
• Strong organizational and time management skills, written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, diligent work habits, and the ability to apply common sense to routine decision-making  
• Ability to maintain self-control and complete tasks with frequent interruptions  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment 
• Must have regular and reliable attendance  
• Ability to carry and move heavy objects and lift 50 lbs  
• Possess a valid driver’s license   

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in planning and implementation of daily program as directed by the teacher 
• Monitor classroom and activities to provide a safe, healthy, and organized learning environment 
• Implement behavior management strategies as outlined by the teacher 
• Participate in planning, conducting, and documentation of home visits and parent-teacher conferences 
• Share child outcomes with parents, as created and instructed by the teacher, via the Family Conference Form and evaluate using goals 
• Assist in conducting ongoing child screening and assessment activities with accuracy and timeliness 
• Communicate positively with children, parents, volunteers and staff in verbal and non-verbal interactions 
• Recruit and encourage parents and other volunteers by creating and maintaining the Volunteer Calendar and create a feeling of respect and comfort within the program 
• Familiarize and follow all policies, procedures, and requirements as set forth in the GSRP Implementation Manual and Early Childhood Standards of Quality 
• Assist in record keeping as assigned by the teacher 
• Act as conduit for programs, information, and services provided by the Michigan Department of Education to the public and private preschools in the area 
• Be available and travel within the region and state as needed for completion of duties, professional development, attend meetings within and outside of normal working hours 
• Assist the classroom teacher in the planning and implementation of student programs that have been initiated by the teacher 
• Assist in the preparation and organization of instructional materials needed to implement student program 
• Carry out student objectives and/or programs established by the instructor on a daily basis 
• Assist in documentation of student's progress as needed and directed by instructor 
• Assist the instructor and other support personnel in providing for student needs, which may include, but are not limited to toileting and/or diapering, proper lifting and/or transferring (up to 50 pounds), feeding, medically related needs and personal hygiene needs of assigned students 
• Attend pertinent staff meetings, IEPs, and other in-service training sessions at the request of the supervisor 
• Cooperate with and assist other educational support staff in the cognitive, behavioral, and motor programming for students 
• Assist in the coordination and supervision of student activities outside the classroom and in the community at the request and direction of instructor and/or supervisor 
• Perform and share responsibility in classroom duties, which may include but are not limited to, classroom preparation and clean up, monitoring of equipment and supplies 
• Must be able to physically assist students with adaptive equipment 
• Must be able to assist students in boarding and leaving motor vehicles 
• Must be able to physically and visually monitor students in all educational settings including student transportation systems, and outdoor environments 
• Must be able to effectively communicate with staff, parents and students 
• Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities, including support for other classrooms, as needed, as requested by the instructor, or supervisor within the framework of this job description 
• Remain free of substance abuse and/or illegal drug use at all times 
• Attend meetings outside of normal working hours as needed for completion of duties 
• Other related duties as assigned 

Wages and Fringes: Commensurate with negotiated master agreement – full benefits

INTERNAL APPLICANTS: Please submit a resume and letter of interest to Rachel Byma, EUPISD Learning Center Principal

EXTERNAL APPLICANTS: Please ensure the application is fully completed and upload any transcripts, certificates, or other educational documents. Offical transcripts will be required upon hire.