ASSISTANT TEACHER-SPECIAL EDUCATION

About the Role

Under direct supervision, performs duties that are instructional in nature or delivers direct services to students or parents. Serves in a position for which a teacher or another professional has ultimate responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services. Assists with test administration and provides specialized assistance for students with special needs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Minimum of 48 college hours is preferred.
• Experience working with children in an educational setting is preferred.
• Texas Educational Aide Certification is preferred or the ability to acquire it.

Responsibilities

• Assists teacher(s) with student academic goals by working with small groups of children or an individual child.
• Assists teacher(s) in the enforcement of classroom management and behavioral plans, creating an environment appropriate for learning.
• Assists with supervising students during breakfast, recess, lunch, dismissal, special events, and programs.
• Assists teacher(s) in the preparation of paperwork for the ARD/IEP process.
• Collects and enters data for completion of special education reports and documents.
• Assists teacher(s) with the planning, preparation, and implementation of differentiated instruction for individual students and groups.
• May be assigned to one or more of the following special education settings:
  • Life Skills: Assist in providing specialized instruction and services to students with significant cognitive disabilities; may include lifting and positioning students, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students, assisting students with toileting, and exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.
  • Behavior: Assist in teaching appropriate behavioral skills; may require controlling behavior through physical restraint.
  • Resource: Provide academic and/or behavioral support to a small group of students or an individual student.
  • In-Class Support: Provide academic and/or behavioral support to a small group of students or an individual student.
• Assignment may be changed throughout the year without notice based on the needs of the campus and students.
• May be required to take CPI certification class or approved equivalent to implement de-escalation techniques and legal restraint procedures during crisis situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to take direction from teachers and administrators.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internal and external to the district.
• Ability to use computer software, databases, spreadsheets, word processing software, calculators, copy machines, and telephones.
• Ability to analyze data.
• Effective interview techniques, public speaking skills, and problem-solving skills.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Assist with special requirements for working with assigned students (e.g., lifting, positioning, physical restraint, toileting assistance, exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases).
• Position is primarily in the classroom setting and requires intermittent speaking, standing, walking, and writing.
• Moderate travel may be required.
• Nights and weekend activities will occasionally be required.