SPED Educational Assistant

SPED Educational Assistant

Job Title:

Special Education (SPED) Assistant
Exemption Status:
Nonexempt Classified

Reports to:

Principal and Teacher(s)
Date Revised: 12/18/2025

Dept./School:
Ripley Elementary School

Help meet physical and instructional needs of a student with disabilities in a self‑contained classroom. 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. Will ride the bus to and from Jackson with the student as required.

• Education:
  
  high school diploma or GED; associate’s degree, two years of study at a higher learning institution, or meet formal assessment as required by Para‑Professional Exam. Passing score of 456 on the Para‑professional exam if college requirements not met.
• Special knowledge/skills: ability to work with children with disabilities; follow verbal and written instructions; communicate effectively; knowledge of general office equipment.
• Experience:
  
  two (2) years experience working with children.

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

• Assist students with physical disabilities including transferring, lifting, positioning, and personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and hygiene.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Help manage behavior of students, including intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed.
• Recognize differences in each student’s medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods accordingly.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom (lunchroom, bus, playground).

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer; 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: Frequent light lifting (