Special Education Aide

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE : The SPED Teacher's Aide is responsible for assisting a SPED classroom teacher in the general supervision and management of the children.

This allows SPED teachers more time to focus on the educational needs of students. The SPED Teacher's Aide must be willing to fulfill responsibilities in accordance with the school's educational philosophy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Setting

• Assist in the implementation of the daily program under the direction of the SPED teacher.
• Assist in planning and preparing the learning environment, setting up interest centers and preparing needed materials and supplies for students' daily activities.
• Work individually or in small groups with students to review classroom instruction, listen to reading groups, or assist answering questions.
• Supervise outside playground activities.
• Help with general housekeeping tasks.
• Assist the SPED teacher in any other appropriate ways.
• Perform clerical tasks.
• Treat all children with dignity and respect.
• Attend all staff meetings and recommended training programs and conferences, including in-service training as may be required by the district.
• Operate and care for instructional equipment used in the classroom.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal.
• Follow directions given by head SPED teacher or immediate supervisor.

Student Management

• Assist with the supervision of students outside the classroom such as : field trips to assist with student supervision and safety, during play period, lunchroom activities, dismissal, etc.
• Supervise the classroom when the SPED teacher is out of the room.

School / Community Relations

• Maintain confidentiality about children, their families, and other employees outside the school.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information, documents, communications, incidents, etc., with discretion and in a conscientious manner.
• Cooperate and share professionally with other members of the staff.

The SPED Teacher's Aide will promote :

• High academic / achievement for all children;
• A greater focus on teaching and learning;
• Flexibility to stimulate local initiatives coupled with responsibility for student performance;
• Improved linkages among schools, parents and communities.

MAY PERFORM OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment toward the position and the mission of the company; support the company's values in the strategic areas of academic excellence, operational performance, superior culture, and financial health and growth, as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Strong time management & organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, students, parents, the community, and administrative staff.

As unique situations present themselves, the employee must be sensitive to corporate needs, employee goodwill, and the public image.

• Establish excellent interpersonal skills between all stakeholders : being courteous, professional, and helpful; Oral (including presentations), Written, Interpersonal (active listening), Negotiating and Influencing.
• Ability to consistently be at work, be on time, follow instructions, respond to management direction and solicit feedback to improve performance.
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Student Information System (SIS) and email communications.
• Look for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Consistently strives to implement best practices and positive character education.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• High School degree, GED, or equivalent experience.
• Speak, read, and write English fluently.
• Successful results of criminal and employment background check.
• Experience in working with children, preferably children with disabilities.
• Be in the process of becoming professionally prepared to supervise young children.
• Such alternatives to the above requirements as CSUSA may find appropriate and acceptable.
• Commitment to company values.
• Adherence to the requirements of the Code of Ethics for the Education Profession.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, abilities and skills will be evaluated on an individual basis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the work environment characteristics listed below are representative of the environment the employee will encounter :

• Usual schools working conditions.
• May be noisy during high student traffic.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• No physical exertion required.
• Somewhat stressful due to frequent student activity.
• Light work : Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with CSUSA salary and benefit policy. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by Charter Schools USA.

FLSA OVERTIME CATEGORY

Job is non-exempt subject to the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

EVALUATION

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Charter Schools USA Policy.

DECLARATION

Human Resources retain the sole right and discretion to make changes to this job description. Any employee making changes unauthorized by the Human Resources Department will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.