Specialized Special Ed Teaching Assistant- District Wide

Overview

PRIMARY

PURPOSE:

Help meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities predominantly in a self-contained classroom but also in an inclusion setting. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Minimum

Education/Certification:

• High School Diploma & meet the District’s formal academic assessment required by Every Student Succeeds Act
• Associates (or higher) degree OR 48 college credit hours
• Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate
• Meet the rigorous standard of quality required by the district

Special Knowledge/

Skills:

• Work with students with disabilities who have difficulty with academics, behavior, social skills, and various physical needs
• Work in a variety of jobs, time schedules and with a variety of people
• Work harmoniously with student, parents, and school personnel
• Follow written and/or oral directions and to exercise good judgment
• Change assignment or duties during the year to meet the needs of students as students enter or exit programs
• Travel to various locations throughout the district- if needed
• Effective verbal and written communication skills as well as a high degree of literacy and mental capabilities

Work Conditions

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students
• Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking and reaching
• Lifting: Up to 45 pounds or over, positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment
• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Minimum Experience:

The experience of having worked with students and parents is preferred. This experience may be work in church-related school, day camps, youth groups, and private schools, licensed day-care centers or similar experiences.

• Work closely with classroom teacher at campus where assigned.
• Work closely with classroom teacher at campus where assigned.
• Participate in District staff development programs.
• Provide on-going student support and/or assistance in the classroom.
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting; positioning; or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Assist the student(s) in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off outerwear, moving from room to room, etc.
• Give appropriate praise and strive to ensure that each student is successful.
• Intervene physically using when necessary District training and protocol to prevent student injury to self or others.
• Initiate first-aid or handles emergency situations without supervision of school personnel.
• Facilitate relationships between co-workers, supervisors and students.
  
  Assist in cleaning of bodily wastes and changing diapers.
• Assist in catheterization of students.
• Recognize differences in each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly.
• Perform simple errands and tasks for student(s) such as sharpening pencils, carrying lunch trays, accompanying student(s) to the office or nurse.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Work with individual students or small groups to conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
• Assist in developing instructional materials and maintaining student files.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all local policies and state and federal statutes including the Educator Code of Ethics.
• Perform such other tasks and accepts such other responsibilities as may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None