Teacher Assistant III Pool - Special Education: SEAS, ECSE, RISE, PK Blended, Severe Needs, Transition (2026-2027)

About the Role

Help meet the physical and instructional needs of individual students with disabilities inside and outside the classroom. Assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP), including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under the general supervision of the principal and the immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Responsibilities

• Instruction:
  • Assist and guide students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, science, computer instruction, and other skills.
  • Work with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
  • Assist in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
  • Assist students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP objectives, and more.
  • Participate in the IEP process and serve as a resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
  • Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living and help them achieve their maximum potential to participate in school or learning activities.
  • Follow all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• Classroom Management:
  • Assist with classroom behavioral management to prevent and address disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and keep students on task.
  • Assist students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridors, study halls, and other related areas.
  • Perform designated medical health procedures prescribed by a physician (e.g., catheterization, gastronomics, administer O2); assist students with all physical functions (toileting, diapering, writing, eating, walking, sitting, standing) as needed; move and position students as directed by the teacher.
  • Accompany students on field trips to assist with supervision.
• Administrative:
  • Construct, distribute, copy, and use educational materials as needed.
  • Assist professional staff in administering and correcting classroom exercises, tests, and assessments.
  • Assist with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Parent Involvement:
  • Assist the teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Accredited High School diploma, GED, or Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency required.
  • Title I Campuses - Highly Qualified Requirements:
    • Associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, OR
    • 48 or more college hours from an accredited college or university, OR
    • Pass the ParaEducator Training with a score of 75 or better.
• Certification: Obtain an Educational Aide Certificate.
• Experience: Two years of experience working with children.
• Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred in some settings.

Skills

• Knowledge of instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate social, emotional, cognitive, and communication skills for children.
• Knowledge of District policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to work with students with physical, emotional, educational, and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic operations.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and others.
• Ability to establish supportive and compassionate relationships with students with special needs.
• Ability to assist students with daily living functions.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to a supervisor as required.
• Ability to use software for spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in written forms.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation regarding performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

Physical & Mental Demands

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and mouse use; frequent walking, including walking with a sense of urgency.
• Lifting: Regular moderate lifting and carrying (less than 40 pounds); may lift students weighing in excess of 50 lbs. when necessary; may restrain students when necessary.
• Environment: Works in a standard office setting and school building environment; works inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise; regularly required to listen and speak; may involve exposure to blood or body fluids; requires occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions; works irregular and/or prolonged hours; works with students with physical, emotional, educational, and/or intellectual disabilities.

Some of these positions may be grant-funded and are contingent on the availability of funds.