STEM - Special Education - PALS Aide

Position: STEM - Special Education - PALS Aide (2026-2027 School Year)
* Position Type:

Instructional Aide/Aide - Instructional

* Location:

Purcell Elementary

Bowie Elementary

Primary

Purpose:

The role of the STEM PALS special education aide is to help the special education teacher provide for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting. The aide will assist in the implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instructional programs under the general supervision of the principal and the immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

* High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate

Highly-Qualified Status

* Attend the free AISD Paraprofessional Academy once hired or;

* Associate's degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning

* State Paraprofessional Certification (recommended)

Special Knowledge/Skills

* Ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, science, social studies and mathematics

* Comfort using (or willingness to learn) educational technology

* Ability to work well with children

* Ability to communicate effectively

* Ability to work cooperatively with others and maintain a positive attitude in the work environment

* Ability to use good judgment in problem-solving and decision-making

* Use time productively

* Ability to follow district policies and procedures

* Ability to accept supervisory direction and desire to improve job skills

* Ability to demonstrate tact, courtesy and helpfulness in dealing with staff, students, parents, and visitors to the school

* Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic educational environment

STEM Instructional Support

* Ability to assist in implementing Project Based Learning and the Engineering Design Process

* Ability to assist in hands-on, inquiry based experiences that promote problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration

* Adjust to meet the evolving demands of STEM education.

* Contribute to culture, climate, and environment that values collaboration.

* Facilitate student participation in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch modules under teacher direction.

Experience

* Experience working with children preferred

Major

Responsibilities and Duties:

* Support board and administrative policies and decisions.

* Maintain professional work environment through a positive attitude, punctuality, regular attendance, phone etiquette, and personal appearance.

* Actively collaborate with colleagues.

General

* Assist the teacher in the preparation of instructional materials and classroom displays.

* Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom.

* Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.

* Assist the teacher with administrative records and preparing required reports.

* Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

* Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.

* Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, toileting, diapering, and personal hygiene.

* Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.

* Assume responsibility for learning and adapting 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 teacher.

* Assist with the supervision of students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.

* Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

Other

* Maintain confidentiality

* Perform other duties as assigned by the principal/designee

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Students

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

* Tools and Equipment:
Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals, Promethean panel, standard instructional equipment, copier, printer, phone

* Software:
Student Information System, Google applications

* Physical Demands:
Prolonged standing, frequent…