Kindergarten Teacher Assistant

Starting Pay: NC04, $16.83 (subject to changes)

Position Summary

The Teacher Assistant / Bus Driver provides instructional, operational, and student supervision support within an elementary school while also serving as a school bus driver for Pitt County Schools. This dual-role position is designed to support student academic achievement, promote a safe and positive learning environment, and ensure the safe and efficient transportation of students to and from school.

The employee works collaboratively with classroom teachers, school administrators, and transportation personnel to meet the academic, behavioral, developmental, and safety needs of students. The employee must demonstrate professionalism, dependability, flexibility, and a commitment to the mission, vision, and expectations of Pitt County Schools.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

I. Teacher Assistant Responsibilities

Instructional Support

1. Assist classroom teachers in implementing instructional activities aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and district instructional expectations.
2. Provide instructional assistance to individual students and small groups under the direction and supervision of a licensed teacher.
3. Reinforce academic skills in reading, mathematics, writing, and other core instructional areas.
4. Support differentiated instructional activities and interventions to address diverse student learning needs.
5. Assist with preparing instructional materials, classroom resources, learning centers, and technology.
6. Monitor student progress during assigned instructional activities and communicate observations to the classroom teacher.
7. Support students with special learning needs, including implementation of accommodations and modifications as directed by appropriate instructional personnel.

Student Supervision and Classroom Management

1. Assist teachers in maintaining a safe, orderly, respectful, and engaging classroom environment.
2. Supervise students during classroom instruction, transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and other assigned school activities.
3. Reinforce schoolwide behavior expectations and classroom management procedures.
4. Provide appropriate behavioral support consistent with school and district policies.
5. Promote positive relationships with students and encourage appropriate social-emotional development.
6. Monitor student safety and promptly report concerns to the appropriate school personnel.

Administrative and Operational Support

1. Assist with maintaining instructional materials, classroom supplies, student work, and assigned records.
2. Perform clerical and organizational duties related to classroom instruction and school operations.
3. Support administration of assessments and instructional activities as permitted by applicable state requirements and district procedures.
4. Assist with school events, emergency drills, and other assigned activities.
5. Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA and applicable state and district requirements.
6. Participate in required professional development, staff meetings, and training activities.

II. School Bus Driver Responsibilities

Student Transportation and Safety

1. Operate an assigned Pitt County Schools bus safely and responsibly in accordance with North Carolina laws, State Board of Education requirements, and district transportation procedures.
2. Transport students along assigned morning and afternoon routes and other authorized routes as scheduled.
3. Maintain appropriate student supervision and reinforce established bus safety and behavior expectations.
4. Conduct required pre-trip and post-trip inspections, including checking for students remaining on the bus after each route.
5. Follow established procedures for student loading, unloading, seating, and safe bus operation.
6. Maintain assigned routes and schedules while prioritizing student safety and compliance with transportation regulations.
7. Report student behavior concerns, safety incidents, accidents, and transportation-related issues promptly to appropriate school and transportation personnel.
8. Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe bus environment.
9. Complete required transportation documentation, inspection reports, and other records accurately and on time.
10. Follow established emergency response and evacuation procedures.

Transportation Compliance

1. Maintain a valid North Carolina Commercial Driver License (CDL) with the endorsements and qualifications required to operate a school bus.
2. Maintain all required school bus driver certifications and comply with applicable medical, training, and testing requirements.
3. Participate in mandatory transportation safety meetings, refresher training, and professional development.
4. Adhere to all applicable federal and state transportation laws, district policies, and safe-driving standards.
5. Immediately report any changes in licensure, driving eligibility, medical qualifications, or other conditions affecting the ability to safely operate a school bus.

III. Dual-Employment Expectations

1. Fulfill assigned bus driving responsibilities before and after the instructional school day while performing teacher assistant duties during designated school hours.
2. Coordinate schedules and assignments with the school principal and transportation personnel to ensure that both roles are performed effectively.
3. Maintain punctuality and regular attendance to ensure continuity of instructional support and student transportation services.
4. Follow district procedures for documenting work hours, attendance, leave, and compensation associated with each assignment.
5. Participate in professional development and maintain required qualifications for both positions.
6. Communicate proactively with school administration and transportation supervisors regarding scheduling conflicts, absences, or operational concerns.
7. Perform other duties consistent with the position and assigned by the principal or authorized supervisor.