SPED Handicapped Teacher Assistant (Grades: 6-8)

About the role

Support teachers in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays, maintaining a neat and orderly classroom, and adapting the environment to student needs. Assist with inventory, equipment care, and administrative tasks such as record-keeping and report preparation. Provide orientation to substitute teachers and support students with physical disabilities, including personal care and mobility assistance.

Responsibilities

• Help maintain a clean, organized classroom tailored to student needs
• Manage inventory and care for classroom equipment
• Assist with administrative records and required reports
• Orient and support substitute teachers
• Assist students with physical disabilities, including transfers, lifting, positioning, feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene
• Support classroom curriculum and manage student behavior, including crisis intervention and restraint when necessary
• Adapt to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises
• Supervise students throughout the school day, including in the lunchroom, bus, and playground
• Keep the teacher informed of individual student needs or problems
• Maintain confidentiality of student information
• Participate in staff development, faculty meetings, and special events
• Perform additional tasks as assigned
• Ensure regular and punctual attendance at the worksite

Work Environment

The noise level is usually moderate. Travel throughout the district is required. Remote work is not an option; on-site presence is essential.

Requirements

• Accredited Senior High School Diploma or equivalent (U.S. equivalency)
• One of the following: Associate degree, 48 college credit hours, or passing an academic assessment
• Paraprofessional certificate from the State Board of Certification
• Successful completion of a teacher assistant training program or six months of relevant work experience preferred
• General knowledge of child growth, development, and behavior characteristics
• Ability to work with diverse ethnic groups
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Initiative and willingness to follow verbal and written instructions
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Experience working with children with disabilities
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Flexibility to adapt to a rapidly changing environment
• Commitment to staying current with professional developments

Pay

Minimum salary: $31,282.00
Median salary: $39,113.00

Schedule

Full-time