ISB is well known locally and internationally for our extraordinary teachers; we’re able to recruit and retain the very best. In addition, we also have the support of amazing instructional assistants! Did you know that our ES Instructional Assistants provide day-to-day assistance in supporting the academic and social-emotional needs of students?
Instructional assistants have important roles and responsibilities at ISB. Whether working in a homeroom classroom, EAL/LS support room, ES Hub, or specialist learning space (gym, art studio, maker space, etc), they support a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment for all students. Most importantly, our instructional assistants allow ISB to offer differentiated learning opportunities for our students via individualized one-to-one instruction and support, small group instruction (guided reading, strategy groups, interventions, etc.), and sometimes take over whole class instruction so teachers can then engage in one-to-one or small group instruction when necessary.
Instructional assistants are essential in supporting students with appropriate behavior in all school settings during instructional, recess, and lunch times. IAs use the same Positive Discipline classroom management strategies as teachers as well as support peer-to-peer problem solving and conflict resolution as needed on the playground and in classrooms (see page 63 about our approach to discipline).
In addition, our IAs attend required meetings, participate in professional learning opportunities, and participate in annual professional growth plans. For example, during Wednesday’s Professional Learning Day, our IAs will be engaged in a full day of learning alongside the entire PreK-12 faculty.
Our IAs are essential partners in each child’s education at ISB, but don’t take my word for it. Be sure to ask your child all about the instructional assistant they know best and what they love most about them!
Your partner in education,
Michael Allen, Ed.D.
michaela@isb.ac.th