ASSISTANT TEACHER-SPECIAL EDUCATION

Job Goal

Under direct supervision, performs duties that are instructional in nature or may deliver 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist teacher(s) with student academic goals by working with small groups or individual children.
• Assist teacher(s) in enforcing classroom management and behavioral plans to create an appropriate learning environment.
• Supervise students during breakfast, recess, lunch, dismissal, special events, and programs.
• Assist teacher(s) in preparing paperwork for the ARD/IEP process.
• Collect and enter data for completion of special education reports and documents.
• Assist teacher(s) with planning, preparation, and implementation of differentiated instruction for individual students and groups.
• May be assigned to one or more special education settings:
  • Life Skills: Provide specialized instruction and services to students with significant cognitive disabilities, which may include lifting and positioning students, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non‑ambulatory students, assisting with toileting, and exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.
  • Behavior: Assist in teaching appropriate behavioral skills, which may require controlling behavior through physical restraint.
  • Resource: Provide academic and/or behavioral support to a small group or an individual student.
  • In‑Class Support: Provide academic and/or behavioral support to a small group or an individual student.
• Assignment may change throughout the year without notice based on campus and student needs.
• May be required to take a 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.
• Effective written and oral communication 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.
• Proficiency with computers, including district software, databases, spreadsheets, word processing, calculators, copy machines, and telephone systems.
• Ability to analyze data.
• Effective interview techniques, public speaking skills, and problem‑solving abilities.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The position is primarily classroom‑based and requires intermittent speaking, standing, walking, and writing. It may involve occasional nights and weekend activities. Moderate travel may be required. The role includes special physical requirements related to assisting assigned students, such as lifting, positioning, and potential exposure to biological hazards.