SPED Self-Contained Teacher Assistant (Grades: 6-8)

About the Role

Assist teachers in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays, maintaining a neat and orderly classroom, and adapting the environment to meet student needs. Support the management of classroom resources, including inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment. Provide assistance with administrative tasks such as record-keeping and report preparation, and orient substitute teachers as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with physical disabilities, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, positioning, and personal care (e.g., feeding, bathroom needs, hygiene).
• Support classroom curriculum and manage student behavior, including intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous behavior 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 assigned by the teacher.
• Supervise students throughout the school day, including in the classroom, lunchroom, bus, and playground.
• Keep the teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events.
• Perform all other assigned tasks and duties.
• Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel throughout the district is integral to this job. Remote work or alternate work arrangements are not available for this campus-based position, as on-site attendance and duties are 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 required from the State Board of Certification.
• Successful completion of a specific training program for teacher assistants or six months of relevant work experience preferred.
• Demonstrated general knowledge of child growth, development, and behavior characteristics.
• Ability to work with people from diverse ethnic groups.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Initiative and willingness to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Experience or ability to work with children with disabilities.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Flexibility to adapt to the challenges of a rapidly changing environment.
• Commitment to staying current with developments in the profession.

Pay

Minimum Salary: $31,282.00 | Median Salary: $39,113.00

Schedule

Full-time