Instructional Assistant and Paraprofessional Support

Comprehensive Guide: Using an Instructional Aide Effectively

Purpose of an Instructional Aide

Instructional Aides (IAs) provide essential support in delivering quality instruction, managing classroom operations, and ensuring all students receive the individualized attention they need. When used effectively, they enhance learning outcomes, support small group interventions, and free up teacher time for high-leverage instructional tasks.

1. Define the Role Clearly

Ensure both the teacher and aide have a shared understanding of responsibilities.

Core Responsibilities May Include:

• Supporting small group instruction and centers

• Monitoring independent work or stations

• Reinforcing teacher-taught concepts

• Providing targeted intervention or extension

• Assisting with classroom routines (materials, technology, transitions)

• Documenting observations or student progress

• Supporting behavior expectations and classroom culture

What They Should NOT Be Doing:

• Creating original lesson plans

• Providing instruction without teacher guidance

• Handling major behavior issues alone

• Sitting idle or “floating” without direction

2. Create a Daily/Weekly Schedule

Structure the IA's time with clear tasks and rotations.

Sample IA Schedule Might Include:

Build in Flexibility for coverage during assessments, pull-outs, or teacher absences.

3. Plan & Communicate Regularly

Maximize effectiveness by including your IA in the instructional planning process:

• Hold weekly check-ins or daily morning huddles

• Share your lesson objectives and goals

• Provide behavior and academic expectations for students

• Offer copies of lesson plans and center instructions

• Provide training on tools used (i.e., manipulatives, tech platforms, behavior systems)

4. Provide Training and Support

Don’t assume your IA knows what to do—model expectations just like you would with students.

• Teach how to manage small groups effectively

• Model how to prompt students and scaffold support

• Train on data collection (i.e., tracking exit tickets or anecdotal notes)

• Invite to observe during a mini-lesson or small group

• Encourage professional development or campus trainings

5. Use Data to Drive Their Work

Use your classroom and benchmark data to assign IAs purposefully.

• Assign them to Tier 2/3 intervention groups

• Rotate them through subject areas based on need

• Use them to run structured re-teach or preview sessions

• Have them collect formative data to inform planning

6. Treat Them as a Valuable Team Member

• Acknowledge their contributions

• Include them in relevant meetings

• Ask for their input on student progress

• Celebrate their impact on student growth

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Using them only for clerical work

• Giving last-minute, vague directions

• Not aligning them to data or instructional goals

• Leaving them to manage behavior without backup

• Failing to recognize their role in student success

Final Takeaways:

An Instructional Aide can multiply your impact if:

• Their time is structured

• Their work is aligned to instruction

• They receive direction and support

• They are treated as true instructional partners