Pioneer Heritage Middle School
Program Description
Functional Academics (FA) — This instructional setting provides educational services primarily to students with cognitive impairments who access the general education curriculum through prerequisite skills. An individually paced curriculum is developed for each student, focusing on reading, writing and math with a strong emphasis on pre-vocational skills. Instruction meets the needs of students requiring alternate assessment. Students are typically able to participate in some activities and classes with their non-disabled peers with support. FA classrooms are arranged to provide maximum opportunity for intensive specialized instruction on the prerequisite level of the academic Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
Education / Certification
- High School diploma or GED
- Associate degree or two years of higher education preferred
- If hired, must complete SBEC certification process to obtain an Educational Aide Certification
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
Responsibilities
- Help the teacher prepare instructional materials
- Help the 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
Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors
- Work with frequent interruptions
- Maintain emotional control under stress
- 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
- Must be able to lift 25lbs
- Exposure to biological hazards
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.