Educational Aide - High School / Sp Ed II Post Secondary

Wage/Hour Status: Non‑exempt. Reports to: Principal and teacher(s) assigned. Pay Grade: IS 1 & 2. Department/School: Elementary/Secondary Education. Length of contract: 10 months, 12 months.

Primary Purpose

Help special education teacher provide for physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self‑help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Qualifications

• Education/Certification: High School Diploma or GED; Valid Texas Education Agency Paraprofessional Educational Aide Certificate.
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Ability to work with children with disabilities; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to communicate effectively; knowledge of general office equipment.
• Experience: Some experience working with children.

Major Duties

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.
• Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Help manage behavior of students, including intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom, including lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.

General Employee Requirements

• Support and align work with the mission, vision, and beliefs of the district.
• Follow and support board policies in areas of related responsibility.
• Ensure district resources are managed effectively to maximize resources for student learning.
• Share in the development and implementation of district success plans.
• Actively participate in ongoing development to improve work quality and district contribution.
• Model integrity, work ethic, and professionalism as a suitable example for LISD students.

Equipment Used

Wheelchair lift, ramp, personal computer, copier, and audiovisual equipment.

Working Conditions

Mental and physical demands include the ability to work in variable environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.), lift 10 lb or more, talk, bend, kneel, pull, reach, grasp, push, stoop, walk, stand, sit, climb, occasionally run, and move with agility. Ability to assist students with toileting, personal hygiene, feeding, mobility, positioning, and seizure activity. Ability to maintain emotional control under stress and cope with biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.