Title: Special Education Teacher Assistant
Reports to: Special Education Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
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Position Description: Under the supervision of the Special Education Director the Special Education Teacher’s Assistant performs a variety of instructional activities; assists the classroom teacher in implementing a learning environment which facilities student’s academic and social growth and development.
Functions and Responsibilities
- Assist in the educational and social development of pupils under the direction and guidance of classroom teacher
- Provide academic assistance and support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities in a positive and safe learning environment
- Reinforce curriculum instruction provided by the Special Education Director, Inclusion Specialists, and/or the classroom teacher both in-group settings or individually
- Adhere to standards and guidelines as directed by the Special Education Director for students with IEP’s, Special Education plans, accommodations, and/or modifications
- Assists in the management of student behavior through the use of positive strategies and techniques
- Assists in monitoring students during recess, lunch, emergency drills, assemblies, and play periods
- Other duties as assigned
Additional Duties for 1:1 Aides
- Understand the goals and objectives outlined in the assigned student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP)
- Implement lesson plans as designed by Inclusion Specialist; support in the delivery of instruction for the assigned student.
- Communicate measurable learning objectives and guide assigned student toward mastery of goals.
- Utilize instructional techniques and appropriate instructional material as prescribed by the classroom teacher and/or Inclusion Specialist.
- Assist in tracking and the completion of homework, coursework, and behavior.
- Follow all policies for classroom procedures.
- Maintain student supervision at all times including transition, P.E. and transportation periods.
- Attend necessary training sessions associated with the individual student, as needed.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Knowledge and understanding of student learning, development, and behavior
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to use discretion and good judgment when dealing with confidential, sensitive information, and student conflict
- Ability to identify needs and areas of concern related to student issues and propose or recommend appropriate solutions
- Ability to understand classroom subject matter in order to communicate in a comprehensible manner using language and style consistent with the classroom teacher and appropriate to individual learners
- Demonstrated knowledge and application of effective instructional aide principles, practices, and trends.
Education and Experience
- An appropriate balance of related education and experience, as well as demonstrated ability to work successfully in a constructivist, multiage learning environment of this type
- Associate Degree or equivalent highly desirable
- Current certification in First Aid and CPR and a current negative TB screening
Physical Demands and Work Environment
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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Moderate noise levels