SpEd Paraprofessional

About the Role

Assist in the implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under the general supervision of the principal and the immediate direction of a certified teacher. If working in special education, help the special education teacher provide for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting.

Qualifications

• 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); or an associate’s degree; or met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment, knowledge of and the 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

Some experience working with children.

Responsibilities

• 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 the teacher.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom, including lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• 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