Teacher Assistant: Special Education - Southern High

Position Summary

Performs duties under the direction of the classroom teacher and/or service provider to provide support and assist with the instructional program within the assigned school with specific responsibility for assisting in supervision and instruction of students with disabilities; observing and documenting student progress; implementing plans for instruction; and assisting students by providing for special health care needs and behavioral and social/emotional needs. Performs extensive and detailed data collection and documentation of each essential duty. The position may be 10 or 12 months depending on assignment.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the classroom teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Assists in implementing instructional programs and lesson plans and provides instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities.
• Participates in the implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and behavioral plans by the IEP team for students with behavioral needs or other special conditions.
• Performs clerical tasks to assist in the preparation of instructional materials.
• Maintains data collection and documentation of activities, assignments and assistance provided to students.
• Attends meetings, professional development, medical and behavioral trainings.
• May assist with administering immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g., diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.), assists students with personal care tasks—including bathroom, clothing, hygiene, and toileting—and applies and removes physical therapy appliances as instructed by the service provider according to the IEP plan.
• Assists students with mobility needs such as lifting and positioning, in and out of wheelchairs; loading and unloading on the bus; transporting students in their wheelchairs in and around school and on field trips.
• Assists students with accessing their electronic communicators, switches, pointers, feeder, etc.
• Assists with pre‑lunch and lunch activities and monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required. To work in a Title I‑funded school, 48 college credit hours or a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment issued by ETS or NES is required.

Experience: Previous experience working with students with disabilities preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Considerable patience and the ability to work with students who have physical, cognitive and behavior challenges.
• Willingness to learn and implement instructional methods, strategies, and techniques to assist teachers.
• Ability to employ a variety of teaching styles to respond to the needs of diverse learners.
• Ability to meet IEP goals and/or district benchmarks.
• Ability to present and/or reinforce learning concepts.
• Ability to ensure equipment is connected and functioning properly.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g., video/web conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses and Certifications

• Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.
• To work in a Title I‑funded school, a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment, in lieu of 48 college credit hours, issued by ETS or NES is required.
• Hold or be eligible for a Class C non‑commercial driver’s license issued by Maryland or the state of legal residence (MVA/DMV) and have daily access to reliable transportation.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Demands: Standing – under 1/3 of the time; Walking – under 1/3; Sitting – between 1/3 and 2/3; Keyboarding – between 1/3 and 2/3; Talking – between 1/3 and 2/3; Hearing – between 1/3 and 2/3; Driving – between 1/3 and 2/3; as required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Vision: No special vision requirements.

Work Environment: Office, school or similar indoor environment – over 2/3 of the time; Noise level moderate – between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time; Lifting and carrying up to 50 lb – between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.

Travel Requirements

20% daily travel within the county to assist at locations (other schools, parks, libraries) as needed.

Job Information

Approved Date: 4/1/2026; Established Date: 7/1/2014; Title Code: D33053; Title: Teacher Assistant – Special Education; Grade: SG05 (higher grade SG06 eligibility based on Title I qualifications and post‑secondary credits); Non‑Exempt; Unit: IV; Days Worked: 191; 260; Hours Worked: 7 per day; Job Family: Educational Support Services; Sub‑Function: Classroom Assistants; Division: Academics; Business Unit: Specialized Instruction & Early Intervention; Negotiated Agreement: Secretaries and Assistants Association of Anne Arundel County (SAAAAC).