SPED Unit Teacher Assistant (Grades: 6-8)

About the Role

Assist teachers in preparing instructional materials, maintaining classroom organization, and supporting student needs. This role involves direct student assistance, administrative tasks, and contributing to a positive learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Maintain a neat and orderly classroom, tailoring it to student needs.
• Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Support teachers in keeping administrative records and preparing reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Assist students with physical disabilities, including transferring, lifting, and positioning.
• Help students with physical needs and personal care, such as feeding, bathroom needs, and hygiene.
• Support classroom curriculum and manage student behavior, including crisis intervention.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct assigned exercises.
• Supervise students throughout the school day, including lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.

Qualifications

• Accredited Senior High School Diploma or equivalent (U.S.A. equivalency).
• One of the following: Associate degree, 48 college credit hours, or passing an academic assessment.
• Paraprofessional certificate required from State Board of Certification.
• Preferred: Successful completion of a specific training program for teacher assistants or six months of relevant work experience.

Skills

• 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 communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to work with children with disabilities.
• Preferred: Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Flexibility to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
• Commitment to staying current with professional developments.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel throughout the district is integral to this job. Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required. A remote working environment or alternate work arrangement is not an option for this campus-based position.

Work Location

Hector Garcia Middle School

Schedule

Full-time

Pay

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