Teacher Assistant Special Education (Self-Contained)

About the Role

This position supports students with disabilities in a self-contained special education setting, working closely with them to provide physical and emotional support, enabling them to gain the full benefits from the special education program.

Qualifications

• Completed at least 2 years of study (48 semester hours) at an institution of higher education; or obtained an associate’s degree; or met a rigorous standard of quality as determined by a formal assessment (Mississippi Test: ACT Work Keys – Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, and Writing Subtests).
• Must pass a criminal background check and a current child abuse registry check in accordance with Mississippi Code §37-9-17.
• Demonstrated aptitude for and interest in working with young students.
• Pleasing personality and professional demeanor.
• A satisfactory employment record.

Responsibilities

• Support students with disabilities in recitation, reading, and other curriculum tasks by guiding and assisting them (without direct teaching).
• Assist the teacher in providing an individualized and diagnostic approach to instruction.
• Address the individual needs of students while the teacher works with other groups.
• Supervise small group activities and assist in setting up learning environments under the teacher’s direction.
• Help absentee students make up missed work.
• Operate classroom technologies to support instruction.
• Assist regular program teachers with special education students mainstreamed into regular classes.
• Provide general supervision of students in halls, restrooms, playgrounds, and other school areas, including diaper changing and/or toileting as needed.
• Promote parent and community involvement in the instructional program.
• Assist substitute teachers and maintain confidentiality in all communications.
• Perform record-keeping tasks as assigned.
• Physically restrain students during crisis situations (requires annual restraint training).
• Perform other duties as assigned by administrators.

Students may exhibit challenging behaviors, including running, hitting, biting, scratching, kicking, or aggression.

Skills & Physical Requirements

• Uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, calculators, and telephones.
• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Capable of physically restraining students and managing aggressive behaviors.
• May require travel to school district buildings and professional meetings.

Schedule

184 days annually (full-time).

Reports To

Building Principal, Assistant Principal, Certified Teacher, and Special Services Director.