Special Education Instructional Assistant; college

Special Education Instructional Assistant (48+ college hours)

Job Title: Special Education Assistant

Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Campus Principal/Special Education Executive Director

Salary: Instructional Support Pay Plan

• 48 college hours – Pay Grade 2
• Associate’s Degree – Pay Grade 4
• Bachelor’s Degree – Pay Grade 5

Dept/School: Assigned Campus

Initiated Date: February 4, 2002;
Revised Date: January 11, 2021

To assist and promote La Joya ISD in implementing a rigorous curriculum/instructional program that supports student success and achievement.

The major role of the instructional assistant is to assist the teacher with classroom instruction so that learning is maximized for all students. The assistant’s purpose is to assist in the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; observing and documenting student progress and/or behavior; implementing plans for instruction; and monitoring student behavior during non‑classroom time.

Education/Certification:

• High School Diploma or GED and 48 college hours or 2 years postsecondary education
• Para‑Professional Certificate (process to State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) when hired)

Experience/Knowledge: Some experience working with children.

• Works cooperatively with teachers and other assistants as members of the “teaching team.”
• Assists students requiring daily care (e.g., toileting, diapering, feeding) to provide appropriate care and/or develop daily living and behavior skills.
• Provides direct instructional support to individual and/or groups of students and monitors ability to follow directions and behavior, or designated classes/activities with the students as outlined in the IEP.
• Implements recommended modifications and adaptations to the environment or materials as directed by the teacher(s) and assists staff in maintaining charts and other records related to students’ progress.
• Participates in daily planning sessions with teacher(s).
• Reinforces concepts/skills introduced by the teacher(s).
• Provides corrective feedback and/or positive reinforcement to the students during guided practice activities.
• Works with small groups of students or individual student on specific identified needs.
• Helps with other classroom management activities such as procedures/routines, and materials preparation/organization.
• Assists staff in managing student behavior by applying proactive strategies. Implements district-approved techniques for verbal de‑escalation and safe physical restraints, such as Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training.
• Implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other conditions as outlined in the IEP.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (restrooms, playground, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria) to ensure safety and welfare.
• Performs other instructionally related activities deemed appropriate by the teacher.
• Maintains confidentiality of all student information and all aspects of the special education department.
• Performs other duties pertaining to special education as assigned by the Principal/Executive Director.
• Follows all Work from Home Protocols when working remotely.

Mental Demands: Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written in English and Spanish), interpret policy and procedures, maintain emotional control under stress.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling, regular heavy lifting of students. May involve rare exposure to bacteria, bodily fluids and communicable diseases.

Position Working Days: 187 Days

Full‑Time