Job Description
Title: MLL Instructional Assistant
DBM Classification: B21/Class 4
Department: Teaching and Learning
Salary Range: $18.54 - $26.28 per hour
Employee Group: EM Spark
Prepared Date: August 2025
Reports to: School Building Principal
FTE/FLSA Status: .81 (6.5 hours per day)/Non-Exempt
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES The MLL Instructional Assistant supports the educational development of multilingual learners by assisting classroom teachers in delivering culturally responsive and language-appropriate instruction. This role involves reinforcing language development, providing individualized and small-group support, and creating an inclusive environment that fosters academic success and social-emotional growth. The MLL Instructional Assistant works closely with students to enhance their language proficiency in English and ensures they have the tools and resources to thrive in their educational journey.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Assist the classroom teacher in delivering language-appropriate and culturally responsive lessons for multilingual learners.
- Provide one-on-one and small-group support to reinforce language acquisition and academic concepts in subjects such as reading, writing, math, and social studies.
- Support multilingual learners with language development through targeted activities that promote English proficiency, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Assist in adapting and modifying instructional materials to meet the diverse language needs of students.
- Monitor and track student progress in language acquisition and academic performance, providing feedback to the teacher.
- Support students in using language learning tools and resources, including bilingual dictionaries, technology, and peer partnerships.
- Help manage classroom activities and behavior, fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all students.
- Collaborate with teachers, specialists, and other support staff to develop and implement individualized plans for multilingual learners, including IEPs or language support plans.
- Assist students with transitions between language support programs and mainstream classroom activities.
- Provide cultural and linguistic support to ensure students feel safe, valued, and understood.
- Assist in communicating with families, including supporting parent-teacher conferences or sending home language-appropriate materials.
- Supervise students during non-instructional times (e.g., lunch, recess, hallway transitions) to ensure safety and positive behavior.
- Attend meetings, professional development, and trainings focused on multilingual learner education.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support multilingual learners' success.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES - Second language acquisition theories and strategies for supporting multilingual learners.
- Developmentally appropriate practices for language development in early childhood and K-12 settings.
- English language proficiency standards and assessment tools for multilingual learners.
- Culturally responsive teaching practices and strategies to support students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
- Basic academic content areas (e.g., reading, writing, math, and social studies) and how to adapt them for multilingual learners.
- School policies and procedures related to multilingual learner education, including IEPs and language development plans.
- Providing language support in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to help multilingual learners achieve academic success.
- Differentiating instruction to meet the language needs of students at different proficiency levels.
- Using a variety of instructional strategies and resources, including visual aids, technology, and bilingual materials.
- Building strong relationships with multilingual learners, fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.
- Communicating effectively with students, teachers, and families, including using basic strategies for communicating with non-English-speaking families.
- Monitoring and tracking student progress, providing feedback to teachers, and adjusting support as needed.
- Supporting multilingual learners in social integration and providing emotional and social support.
- Adapt to the unique linguistic and cultural needs of students from diverse backgrounds.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers, language specialists, and other staff members to support multilingual learners.
- Stay patient, flexible, and proactive in a dynamic classroom setting.
- Work with students from different language backgrounds, promoting language development while supporting academic growth.
- Promote an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages the success of all students.
- Manage classroom behavior and support the development of positive social skills among multilingual learners.
- Follow directions and implement lesson plans effectively, providing reinforcement and additional support where necessary.
- Remain sensitive to the challenges multilingual learners face and advocate for their needs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, bending, crouching, and kneeling to assist students and support classroom activities.
- Lifting: Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, including assisting students with mobility needs if required.
- Repetitive Motion: Regular use of hands and fingers for writing, typing, and handling instructional materials.
- Visual and Auditory Requirements: Ability to see and hear within normal ranges to monitor student behavior, support instruction, and ensure safety.
- Physical Assistance: This may involve supporting students with physical disabilities, including transferring, positioning, or assisting with mobility devices.
- Endurance: Capability to actively engage with students throughout the school day, including indoor and outdoor supervision (e.g., recess, field trips).
- Speech and Communication: Clear verbal communication to interact effectively with students, staff, and families.
WORK ENVIRONMENT - School Setting: Primarily works in classrooms but may also assist in specialized learning spaces, libraries, cafeterias, playgrounds, hallways, and other school areas.
- Student Interaction: Regular, direct interaction with students, including those with diverse learning needs and varying behavioral, emotional, or physical abilities.
- Team Collaboration: Works closely with licensed instructional staff, special education teams, and other support personnel to assist students.
- Dynamic Environment: Fast-paced and varied, requiring flexibility to shift between instructional support, behavioral management, and supervision tasks.
- Supervision Duties: Responsible for student supervision in classrooms and during non-instructional times (e.g., lunch, recess, bus loading/unloading, and field trips).
- Exposure to Elements: May work outdoors during recess, field trips, or other activities, subject to varying weather conditions.
- Health & Safety Considerations: Potential exposure to bodily fluids or illnesses while assisting students with health or hygiene needs, following proper safety protocols.
- Noise Level: Moderate to high, depending on student activities and settings.
- Physical Demands: The work involves standing, walking, bending, lifting, and moving throughout the day to support students and instructional activities.
- Inclusive Environment: Expected to promote and support a culturally responsive, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for all students.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE - Experience working with children in an educational, childcare, or related setting.
- Associate's degree or completion of at least two years of post-secondary education (equivalent to 60 college credits).
- Experience supporting students.
- Preferred: Training in behavior management techniques and culturally responsive practices.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.
BENEFIT INFORMATION St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:
- Health and Dental Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
- Life Insurance
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information, including specific benefits and associated costs, please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts .
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, Flexible hours, Shift work,