Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School

Hours/Day: 6.5 (full-time)

Work days/year: 178

School Year: Hourly rate determined by CEA collective bargaining agreement.

Starting Hourly Rate: Grade LTA, $17.23 base hourly rate; $19.23 if assigned to a high‑needs classroom; $23.23 if assigned to a high‑needs classroom and completion of a 40‑hour training program for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) through Relias Academy.

Medical Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield HM0 80/20 cost share

Dental Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield 80/20 cost share

Vision Insurance: VSP 100% employee cost

Position: Special Education Teaching Assistant

Reports to: Classroom Teacher / Building Principal

The Special Education Aide assists teachers in meeting the needs of special education students. The primary focus is to assist and enhance the educational process of students with disabilities in both instructional and non‑instructional activities. To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
• Current Illinois Substitute Teaching License
• Current Illinois Educator License with Stipulations Endorsed-Paraprofessional Educator (If you do not already hold a Teaching/Substitute License)
• Associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution; 60 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited institution;
• High school diploma, or equivalent + 480 or higher on the ETS Parapro test;
• High school diploma, or equivalent + 4 or higher on the ACT Work Keys Applied Math and Workplace Documents
• Current Illinois Short Term Approval (STA) - Paraprofessional
• Minimum Age - 19 years old, Application in ELIS ($50 application fee), Proof of High School Graduation - copy of diploma, copy of transcript showing graduation date, GED, etc.

• Current State of Illinois Paraprofessional (Aide) Approval, Educator License with Stipulations, Professional Educator License, or Substitute License.
• Ability to work effectively with children.
• Ability to function within the framework of the school environment.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Computers and basic programs.
  • Child guidance principles and practices.
  • Behavior management and positive reinforcement.
  • Classroom procedures and appropriate conduct.
  • Basic record‑keeping methods.

• Assist with providing a variety of activities for a balanced program of instruction, giving students opportunity to observe, question and investigate.
• Reinforce information and instructions following a lesson.
• Works with students individually or in small groups in academic studies, basic life skills and other assigned instruction.
• Implements behavior modification plans and procedures designed for individual students when necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students.
• Maintain positive relationships with all students, school staff and parents.
• Observes and records student progress.
• Assists individual or groups of students during activities including recess, lunch and getting children safely on and off bus.
• Assist with hygiene and toileting activities which might include transferring and lifting students. Sanitize classroom and equipment using approved materials.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and run. The employee will experience occasional lifting and/or moving up to 100 lbs, such as lifting a child from the floor. The employee must be able to push/pull items up to 80 lbs, such as children in wheelchairs.

Hazards – potential exposure to communicable disease and contact with blood and other body fluids; potential exposure to physical injury from aggressive behavior.