2026-27 TA 2 - Sped - The Heights

Qualifications

One of the following:

• An AA, AS, AAS (or higher) degree
• Two years of post-secondary coursework (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) from an accredited institution of higher education which are applicable toward a bachelor's degree
• Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment AND either a high school diploma or a GED certificate. (For more information on the ParaPro Assessment, contact Educational Testing Service at 1-800-772-9476 or www.ets.org/parapro)

Skills

• Basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics
• Basic skills in typing, copying and use of computers and iPads and duplicating may be required for some positions
• Be racially conscious and support all students to achieve equitable outcomes
• Ability to develop good relationships with students and staff
• Ability to be sensitive to the needs of others
• Ability to relate to students with warmth, friendliness and understanding
• Must be on time to the job every day

Responsibilities

Teaching Assistant 1 (regular education)

• Work under the direction of a licensed teacher and/or other licensed instructional or nursing staff
• Able to follow daily schedule
• Prepared to support all students in the general education classroom, including those with 504 Plans or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Monitor student behavior in the classroom by observing and keeping records
• Observe that students are paying attention to their work and completing their assignments
• Advise students and direct appropriate behavior
• Review and correct student work
• Help students with workbooks and other materials
• Assist in keeping daily student records
• Tutor students in reading, language arts, spelling, mathematics, social studies, and other subjects
• Assist teachers with checkout and check-in of educational materials and consumables
• Organize and maintain instructional materials such as books, flash cards, blocks, clocks, and rulers
• Set up and take down equipment used in class
• Prepare, duplicate, and assemble materials for teacher and other professional staff, such as a nurse, social worker or counselor
• Be comfortable using technology including iPads
• Occasionally do some light typing
• Maintain displays and bulletin boards
• Assist in program registration and fee collection
• File materials and answer phones
• Deliver messages and meals to rooms
• Participate in physical education activities with students
• Assist teacher with low-organized games
• Assist in planning parties and special projects

Teaching Assistant 2 (special education) — Positions may perform some or all of these duties in addition to those listed above.

• Able to perform the duties in various environmental conditions
• Assist in implementing student Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), 504 Plans, Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), and sensory plans
• Support the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms and environments
• Record data on students' IEP objectives and BIPs for use in monitoring and adjusting student programs
• Assist students with teaching students to complete functional skills, such as feeding, dressing, toileting and other self-help activities
• Maintain toileting area and equipment
• Set up meal area and equipment
• Assist teachers in working with individual students in communications systems therapy, and discipline across the school day and in all environments
• Able to be mobile and move around classrooms and the schools to anticipate and meet the variety of student needs
• Complete Third Party billing daily
• Provide follow up instruction on Positive Behavioral Interventions and implement de-escalation strategies to avoid power struggles
• Be trained in Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) for de-escalation and physical restraint techniques. Only use NVCI physical intervention techniques when needed to assure the safety of the student or other students
• Assist in supporting students on field trips

Requirements

• Must be physically able to lift more than 40 pounds when applicable
• Able to sit, walk, climb, crouch, kneel, push, talk and hear
• TA2s are required to be trained in the Special Education Orientation
• Must be trained and maintain Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) and bus safety training and CPR as required
• Regardless if you are TA1 or TA2, you may be assigned to a Special Education bus route(s); the following requirements must be completed within 30 days of being assigned to ride the bus: basic first aid, CPR and bus safety policies and procedures training. This required training will be offered by the District's Transportation Department. Employees who have taken this training from the American Red Cross are required to show evidence of completion to the Transportation Department. It is required to repeat this training as necessary in order to remain certified.

Pay

Pay range for this position is: $22.06 – $26.81 per hour. TA2 maximum hiring step = step four (4). The full salary schedule is listed in the Teaching Assistant contract. Salary information can be found at https://www.spps.org/about/departments/human-resources/labor-agreements (select the "Teaching Assistant" Labor agreement).

Schedule

This is a 10-month position working 35 hours per week.

Benefits

Benefit information for this position can be found at https://www.spps.org/about/departments/human-resources/benefits/benefit-summaries-by-bargaining-unit (select the "Teaching Assistants (TA) – Full Time" link).

Additional Information

• Transcript — Unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of hire. You must submit official transcripts within 30 days of your start date. Formal credential evaluation is required for post-secondary education completed outside