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

About the role

This position supports teachers in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays, maintaining a neat and orderly classroom, and adapting the environment to meet student needs.

Responsibilities

• Help maintain classroom organization and prepare the classroom according to student needs
• Assist 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, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning
• Support students with personal care needs, such as feeding, bathroom assistance, and personal hygiene
• Assist with classroom curriculum and manage student behavior, including intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous behavior as needed
• 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 as assigned
• Perform all other tasks and duties as assigned
• 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 is not an option for this campus-based position, as regular and punctual attendance at the worksite 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 required from State Board of Certification
• Successful completion of a specific training program for teacher assistants or six months of relevant work experience preferred
• 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 cope with 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