Special Education Teaching Assistant (6-12)

Location: Glendale Preparatory Academy, 23276 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85383

Reports to: Headmaster • Non-Exempt, Hourly • $16–$18/hour

About the Role

The Instructional Assistant is a non-certified support role within the Special Education Program, assisting in both general education and special education resource classrooms. The assistant supports students across campus under the direction of certified Special Education and General Education teachers. Additional duties may be assigned based on candidate experience and academy needs.

Responsibilities

• Academic Support
  • Supports students in small groups or 1:1
  • Assists with assignments, homework, and projects
  • Adapts materials and provides modifications to help students learn
  • Helps students understand and reinforce classroom rules
• Behavior Support
  • Monitors student behavior to ensure safety and appropriate interactions
  • Implements behavior management strategies
  • Assists students with developing social skills and positive behaviors
  • Helps de-escalate student behaviors and requests support from teachers as needed
  • Reinforces SDI (Specially Designed Instruction) concepts already in effect
• Additional Support
  • Helps students with transitions and activities
  • Supports students with personal hygiene needs (toileting, feeding, dressing)
  • Assists with mobility and adaptive equipment
  • Provides clerical support for the Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Team
• Additional Duties
  • Attends meetings and training sessions
  • Maintains a clean and organized work area
  • Fosters a supportive and positive learning environment

Requirements

• High school diploma or higher (required)
• Associate degree or two years/60 credit hours of higher education (preferred) or a passing score on an appropriate ADE assessment
• Experience in special education (preferred)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Interest in reading great books
• U.S. work authorization required; OPT/CPT candidates accepted
• Employment contingent upon successful criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance

Physical Requirements

• Standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching
• May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds

Benefits

• Exceptional medical, dental, and vision benefits with minimal employee cost
• Matching 401K program
• Professional development opportunities, including:
  • Great books seminars with academy colleagues
  • Leadership and special education coursework/pathways
  • Reduced tuition graduate degree support with select partner universities

Schedule

Local travel may be required for training and professional development opportunities.