SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHING ASSISTANT

Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt
Reports to: Principal

Primary Purpose

Help meet physical and instructional needs of individual students with disabilities inside and outside the classroom. Assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP), including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate
• Have met formal academic assessment, associate's degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning*
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate
• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Two years experience working with children

Responsibilities

Student Management

• Help meet the individual needs of student(s) including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting and positioning; interpreting instructions; and assisting with physical needs and personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Help manage the behavior of assigned student(s). This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed.
• Recognize differences in student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly.
• Work with assigned student(s) or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
• Assist assigned students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teachers informed of special needs or problems of assigned student(s).

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in professional development programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors

Tools/Equipment Used

• Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals
• Standard instructional equipment
• Other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students

Posture

• Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion

• Frequent walking and reaching

Lifting

• Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment

Environment

• Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather)
• Exposure to noise
• Exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)

Mental Demands

• Work with frequent interruptions
• Maintain emotional control under stress

*Required by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for aides who are providing instructional support in Title I, Part A program.