Special Education Teaching Assistant (K-5)

Location: Great Hearts Archway Roosevelt, 555 S Jackrabbit Rd, Buckeye, AZ

Reports to: Headmaster • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly • Hourly Rate: $16-$18

About the Role

The Instructional Assistant is a non-certified assistant to the Special Education Program at the academy, supporting both general education and special education resource classrooms. The assistant will work to support students in all settings on campus under the direction of and in collaboration with certified Special Education teachers and General Education teachers. Additional duties may be included, depending on the experience and expertise of the candidate and the specific academy needs.

Responsibilities

• Academic Support
  • Supports students in small groups or 1:1
  • Assists students with assignments, homework, and projects
  • Adapts materials and provides modifications to help students learn the material
  • 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, appropriate interactions, and positive behaviors
  • Assists with de-escalating student behaviors and requests support from General Education Teacher and Special Education Team Members as needed
  • Reinforces SDI concepts that have already been in effect
• Additional Support
  • Helps students with transitions and activities
  • Supports students with personal hygiene needs such as toileting, feeding, and dressing
  • Supports students with mobility and adaptive equipment
  • Provides general clerical support for the ESS Team
• Additional Duties
  • Attends meetings and training sessions
  • Helps maintain a clean and organized work area
  • Provides a supportive and positive learning environment

Requirements

• High school degree or higher
• Ideally, candidates will hold an associate's degree or higher, or two years/60 credit hours of higher education, or a passing score on an appropriate ADE assessment
• Experience in special education (preferred)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and an interest in reading great books
• US work authorization is required; OPT/CPT candidates accepted
• Employment contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements

Physical Functions

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

Travel

May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

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