New teacher, old assistant

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New teacher, old assistant
By PB

As a 1st year teacher I know the importance of an assistant in a classroom. As an assistant for 6 years, I know your job is important. At the school I work aids are call "instructional assistants." Which means they were
hired to help kids, not do the teachers work. Is there an aid in every classroom in your school, or are aids in classrooms due to special needs kids. If they are there for special needs kids, then I think you should be working with those kids. Many states have mandated assistants, or assistants that are funded outside the district. (ISD) If you are doing the teachers grading your not

giving that special needs kids the extra help. Yes, by not having to grade the papers a teacher will have more time to work on lesson plans, but their time spent with kids is not increased. I've never seen a teacher grade papers when the kids are doing nothing. Also, in my district assistants are allowed to do 30 minutes a day of clerical work. To be honest I don't know ANY teacher in the district that asks an assistant to correct papers, or do any clerical work. Many assistants see the need and volunteer to do these things when they aren't able to work directly with kids. Hope this helps, and keep us informed.
Also, check with other assistants in your building or district to see how they are being utilized.