Special Education Teacher Assistant

About the role

ESS is seeking a dependable, compassionate, and student-focused Special Education Teacher Assistant to support students at Mt. Pleasant Academy in the Charleston County School District for the 2026–2027 school year. The Special Education Teacher Assistant works under the direction and supervision of a certified teacher to provide instructional, behavioral, developmental, and classroom support to students with disabilities. The Teacher Assistant helps create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment while assisting students in achieving their academic, behavioral, social, and functional goals.

Responsibilities

• Assist the certified Special Education Teacher with daily classroom instruction and activities.
• Provide individual and small-group assistance to students as directed by the teacher.
• Support the implementation of students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Assist students with accommodations, modifications, classroom assignments, and instructional activities.
• Reinforce academic, behavioral, social, communication, and functional skills.
• Support students with disabilities in participating in classroom and school activities.
• Assist students with transitions, classroom routines, and changes in activities.
• Provide behavioral support using strategies established by the certified teacher and school team.
• Maintain a safe, structured, positive, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Supervise students during classroom activities, lunch, recess, arrival, dismissal, field trips, and other assigned activities.
• Assist students with personal-care and daily living needs when required.
• Assist students with mobility and physical support when necessary.
• Prepare instructional materials and classroom resources as directed by the teacher.
• Collect and record student data as directed by the certified teacher.
• Communicate student observations, concerns, and progress to the supervising teacher.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
• Follow ESS, Charleston County School District, school, state, and federal policies and procedures.
• Participate in required training and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising teacher or school administration.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children or students with disabilities.
• Previous experience as a teacher assistant, paraprofessional, childcare provider, behavioral support professional, or in a related position.
• Experience working with students with autism, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, emotional/behavioral needs, or significant support needs.
• Knowledge of positive behavioral support strategies.
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, administrators, related-service providers, and other school personnel.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, flexibility, dependability, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to follow directions and consistently implement teacher-provided strategies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Pay

Pay starting at $34/hr