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Interview with a Bilingual Instructional Assistant

Considered working as an Intermediate Clerical and Bilingual Instructional Assistant? This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect in the position, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more. This is a true career story as told to LatPro.com for its ‘What They Don’t Teach’ series; a collection of interviews with Hispanic and bilingual professionals from a V.P. of International Marketing to a University Professor, and everything in between.

What is your job title? How many years of experience do you have in that field?

I’m an Intermediate Clerical Assistant and a Bilingual Instructional Assistant for 9 years.

Would you describe what you do on a typical day?

If I’m working with kids, then I work with small groups of children who are still learning English as a second language. I give additional instructional time to these children in all different areas, language, math, science, etc. In the school district office (where Iíve been working for almost 3 years now) I have clerical duties, such as answer phones, run reports, enter data in the student information system, etc. Iím currently moving into a new department dealing exclusively with the student information system.

What is your ethnicity? How has it hurt or helped you? I’m Hispanic and at least here in California, I feel it has helped me. Since the majority of the population in California is Hispanic, I have an advantage because of my ethnicity and the ability to speak Spanish fluently.

If you’ve experienced discrimination, in what ways have you responded and what response worked best?

Amazingly I donít believe I have experienced any discrimination here at my workplace. I work at a school district so the diversity of races that work here is great.

What languages do you speak? How has speaking another language helped you?

I speak fluent Spanish, fluent English and a little of French. In California, speaking Spanish has been a great advantage due the majority of Hispanic people here. I honestly believe it’s been the main reason I get hired initially. A lot of people here speak Spanish but cannot read or write, or translate.

What did you learn the hard way in this job and how did that happen? To actually be on time. I was reprimanded 2 times on my tardiness, which I’ve always had a problem with.

What don’t they teach in school that would’ve been helpful to you?

I think my school was an excellent school. I see the difference of the educational quality my school had compared to the current public school system we have here in California. If anything, I think my school gave me an advantage, since I never finish college, I’m still at the same level as many here who have finished and gotten degrees. Workwise, I mean.

How did you get started in this line of work? If you could go back and do it differently, what would you change?

I used to volunteer at my daughter’s school every day. Eventually the school administrators asked me to apply so that I could get paid for all that I was already doing. The only thing I would have changed, would be to have applied earlier. And of course, to have finished college.

On a good day, when things are going well, can you give an example of something that really makes you feel good? I love a busy day. If get a huge project and I finish earlier than expected or go beyond what was asked of me.

When nothing seems to go right, what kind of snafus do you handle and what do you dislike the most?

This happens every once in a while when the computers are down or the State system or our student system is not working properly. For my particular job, my work day practically stops because I rely on the systems for the information I need or to enter info into the systems. I still have other menial work like making copies or faxes to send. I really don’t like do this.

How stressful is your job? Are you able to maintain a comfortable or healthy work-life balance? It can be stressful at times when a report is due to the state or federal administrations by a certain time. Most of the time I love the stress but overall I would say it’s not as stressful as being a teacher.

On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate your job satisfaction? What would it take to increase that rating? I would give it an 8. A higher salary would be better and or being able to come in later in the day because I’m not a morning person.

What’s a rough salary range for the position you hold? Are you paid enough considering your responsibilities? It’s around $40,000 a year. I believe it’s about right but I would still appreciate more. In my new department, I have the opportunity of earning more if I get the student info systems operator position because of the increased responsibilities.

What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve experienced in this position? Of all the things you’ve done at work, what are you most proud of?

The most rewarding moment of the position Iím currently transferring was being handpicked by the director for my outstanding computer skills and overall attention to details and accuracy. Many people wanted and applied for this position. I’m proud of always being number 1 on all the lists of applicants for the jobs I applied for. I’m proud of the work I’ve done for the directors and assistant superintendent. I’m proud that I’m the person they still call upon for any reports or information they need even if I’m not in their departments anymore.

What’s the most challenging moment you’ve experienced? What would you prefer to forget?

I’m a quick learner so my challenge is dealing with new people and or environment. I was transferred to a new school 7 years ago where I knew no one. This was a challenge for me. I’m friendly but a little shy, especially back then. Now I feel more confident in meeting new people. There is nothing I would prefer to forget because I believe you learn from your mistakes.

What education and skills do you need to get hired and succeed in this field?

You should have some college years if not a bachelor or associate degree. Good English skills, computer skills (excel and word), a sense of logic to learn how to operate several different machines (fax, copier, scanner), and knowledge of a second language doesn’t hurt.

What would you tell a friend considering your line of work?

I would tell her this is great job for a person that pays attention to details and completes tasks assigned in a timely manner. Also I would totally recommend working for a school district because of the many benefits, retirement and health insurance available to you.

How much vacation do you take? Is it enough?

I used to get a month and a half because the school would close but now I work all year at the district office. I get 2 weeks paid vacation so I use that throughout the year. I havenít gone on an extended vacation since 2006. I wish I could a month of paid vacation but I do have the opportunity to take more time off during Christmas and Easter break, plus I have many paid holidays.

Are there any common myths you want to correct about what you do?

The only thing we do is make copies and type. Many people think we are just another name for secretaries.

Does this job move your heart? If not, what does?

Yes, I love creating reports and having to be 100% accurate when entering data into studentsí permanent files and reporting to the State or Federal administrations.

If you could write your own ticket, what would you like to be doing in five years? I would be Senior Student Information Systems Operator.

Is there anything unique about your situation that readers should know when considering your experiences or accomplishments?

I got married and became a mother at 17. I tried going to college while raising my daughter and being a wife, but I failed. I considered my family first, so I quit school and raised my daughter and Iím still happily married after 21 years of marriage. My daughter will start her last year of college this fall and plans to apply for graduate school.

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