Special Education Assistant

About the Role

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

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate
• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Effective communication skills
• Knowledge of general office equipment
• Some experience working with children preferred

Responsibilities

Instructional Support

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays
• Maintain a neat and orderly classroom
• Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher
• Support assigned students in all settings, including general education classrooms
• Assist with administration and scoring of objective testing instruments or work assignments

Student Management

• Assist students with physical disabilities, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning
• Support 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
• Supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom (e.g., lunchroom, bus, playground duty)
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students

Other Duties

• Ride with students on buses as assigned
• Maintain confidentiality
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events
• Uphold punctuality and reliability in all areas of work
• Maintain a positive attitude and serve as a role model for students
• Enforce school rules, administrative regulations, and state and local board policies
• Exemplify high standards of ethical conduct as described in board policy
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Equipment Used

• Wheelchair lift, ramp
• Personal computer, copier, and audiovisual equipment
• Assistive technology equipment or additional technology as needed per a student’s IEP

Working Conditions

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students
• Exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases