SpEd Paraprofessional

Primary Purpose

Aid in implementing classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher. For special education roles, assist special education teacher in providing for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting.

Education / Certification

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate
• Completion of at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 semester hours of college coursework)
• Associate’s degree
• Rigorous state or local academic assessment demonstrating knowledge or ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and math or reading and writing readiness, and math readiness, as appropriate

Special Knowledge / Skills

• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience / Other Requirements

• Some experience working with children

Major Responsibilities And Duties

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning, as necessary
• Help manage behavior of students, including intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting 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 assigned by teacher
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom (including lunchroom, bus, and playground duty)
• Maintain confidentiality
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned
• Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance, and learning the records retention schedule for department records
• Other duties as assigned

Equipment Used

• Wheelchair lift
• Ramp
• Personal computer
• Copier
• Audiovisual equipment as necessary