Norris Elementary

About the Role

Assist special education teacher in providing for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a Structured Learning Class (SLC) setting.

This instructional setting offers specially designed instruction for children with autism and/or other communication disorders who require support to build functional language/communication and functional behavior skills. The primary emphasis is on language/communication and behavioral needs starting at the preschool level, with increased emphasis on academic support and functional routines at the elementary and middle school levels. The classroom environment is highly structured and incorporates positive behavior supports and instructional strategies in alignment with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Students participate in activities with their non-disabled peers, with support as appropriate, to help generalize skills learned in the SLC classroom.

Responsibilities

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide assistance to substitute teachers.
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs (may require some lifting).
• Help manage behavior of students.
• Support students’ instructional needs in accordance with their Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs).
• Assist students with personal care as appropriate.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special needs.
• Work with individual students or small groups.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs and special events as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Associates degree or two years of higher education preferred.
• If hired, must complete SBEC certification process to obtain an Educational Aide Certification.
• Ability to work with children with disabilities.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Knowledge of general office equipment.
• Must be able to lift 25lbs.
• Physical demands include frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting and transferring students to and from wheelchairs, and assisting with positioning students with physical disabilities.
• Exposure to biological hazards.

Mental and Environmental Factors

• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.

Special Education General Employee Expectation

The Special Education Department maintains an expectation that all staff will assume shared responsibility for the health, safety, and confidentiality of all students and adults; which may include implementing, supporting, and documenting behavioral intervention strategies and/or providing school health, related, and personal care services.