School assistant

JOB

The work of school assistants is related to the welfare and well-being of students in primary schools, where students are cared for in a variety of situations. School assistants take care of students and guide them as well as cleaning and tidying up. School assistants take care of students indoors and outdoors, take part in field trips, provide assistance to students with special needs and provide supervision at exams.

As a school assistant, you interact with different individuals of all ages and perform a variety of tasks. There is a lot of interaction with children, parents, teachers and other staff of the primary school.

Main tasks

• assisting in the kitchen and at students’ mealtimes
• providing security and supervision in hallways and changing rooms
• watching over recess activities indoors and outside
• assisting students with their clothes if necessary
• keeping school premises clean and taking care of cleaning equipment
• assisting in arranging and moving furniture
• accompanying students between teaching areas

Competence requirements

A school assistant needs to be able to help children with play and work, and to guide them regarding good manners as well as cleaning school premises. School assistants play an important role as role models for children, and they need to be able to read situations and respond quickly and efficiently when needed. Good communication skills and care are great traits in the job. It is also good to be able to provide first aid in the event of an accident.

Study

Pedagogy and service study programs have been offered at Verkmenntaskóli Austurlands and Borgarholtsskóli. The average duration of study is one year, including six weeks of internship.

Validation of prior learning and/or a school assistant gateway may also be available, for those with work experience or previous studies to build on.