Title: TEACHER AIDE (SPECIAL EDUCATION)

Reports To: Department Chair

Duration: 10 Months

Purpose Statement

The job of Teacher Aide (Special Education) is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; and providing information to appropriate school personnel.

Essential Functions

Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher (e.g. reading material, taking students to an approved site, etc.) for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.

Administers, grades, and enters electronically material (e.g. tests, homework, make-up work, etc.) for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.

Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, behavioral plans designed by IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.

Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.

Provides, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; and ensuring students success in schools.

Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students (e.g. accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, violations of rules, safety conditions, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.

Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured student, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.

Supervises student performance for the purpose of monitoring progress and completion.

Supports classroom teachers and other school personnel for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of curriculum and teaching methodologies.

Other Functions

Assists students, as needed, for the purpose of maintaining students' personal hygiene.

Assists substitute teacher with implementing lesson plans for the purpose of maintaining a normal classroom learning environment in the teacher's absence.

Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.

Communicates with supervising instructional staff and PPS staff for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications 

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practiced; operating standard office equipment including computers and pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; safety practices and procedures; and conflict resolution.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others. Problem solving is required to identify issues. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: consistently attending work, adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision; guiding others. Demonstrate professional work ethic and excellent interpersonal skills to promote a positive image of District 88. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 61% walking, and 19% standing.  The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a clean atmosphere.

Education High school diploma or equivalent.

Licenses Educator License with Stipulations – Paraprofessional endorsement or higher

FLSA Status Non-Exempt