Special Ed Teaching Assistant- District Wide

PRIMARY PURPOSE :

Help meet physical and instructional needs of individual students with disabilities inside and outside classroom. Assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP), including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs.

Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Minimum Education / Certification :

High School Diploma & meet the District’s formal academic assessment required by Every Student Succeeds Act

Associates (or higher) degree OR 48 college credit hours

Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate

Meet the rigorous standard of quality required by the district

Special Knowledge / Skills :

Ability to work with students with disabilities who have difficulty with academics, behavior, social skills, and various physical needs

Work in a variety of jobs, time schedules and with a variety of people

Work harmoniously with student, parents, and school personnel

Willingly follow written and / or oral directions and to exercise good judgment

Change assignment or duties during the year to meet the needs of students as students enter or exit programs

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Work Conditions

Tools / Equipment Used : Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment;

other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students

Posture : Frequent standing; kneeling / squatting, bending / stooping, pushing / pulling, and twisting

Motion : Frequent walking and reaching

Lifting : Up to 45 pounds or over, positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment

Environment : Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)

Mental Demands : Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Regular attendance is an essential function

Minimum Experience :

The experience of having worked with students and parents is preferred. This experience may be work in church-related school, day camps, youth groups, and private schools, licensed day-care centers or similar experiences.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES :

• Work closely with classroom teacher at campus where assigned.
• Provide on-going student support and / or assistance in the classroom
• Recognize differences in student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction according.
• Work with assigned student(s) or small groups to conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
• Assist the student(s) in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off outerwear, moving from room to room, using the lavatory, etc.
• Give appropriate praise and strive to ensure that each student is successful.
• Intervene physically when necessary to prevent student injury to self or others.
• Initiate first-aid or handles emergency situations without supervision of school personnel.
• Assist assigned students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Facilitate relationships between co-workers, supervisors and students.
• Perform simple errands and tasks for student(s) such as sharpening pencils, carrying lunch trays, accompanying student(s) to the office or nurse.
• Assist in developing instructional materials and maintaining student files.
• Participate in District staff development programs.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all local policies and state and federal statutes including the Educator Code of Ethics.
• Perform such other tasks and accepts such other responsibilities as may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES : None