JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title Teacher Assistant - Special Education		Evaluation Type Paraprofessional	Department Designated Campus
Pay Grade P2	FLSA Non-Exempt	Date Revised February 2019	Supervisor Principal

BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY:  Provide for the instructional needs of individual students and/or group of students in a school or under the direction of a certified classroom teacher; and assist with physical needs of students, if required.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of District, campus, and classroom policies and procedures
• Knowledge of techniques used in assisting students with special needs
• Knowledge of SAMA de-escalation and restraint techniques, First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Skill in utilizing general instructional strategies
• Skill in applying classroom/student discipline management
• Skill in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Skill in operating standard computer and software applications
• Ability to organize and prioritize work responsibilities

 

Experience:

• Three (3) months of related experience

 

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

 

Instructional Support:

• Assist teacher with daily classroom activities; prepare/modify activities; assist with independent study or lead small groups; and inform teacher of students’ progress.
• Support the improvement of instruction.
• Implement strategies and supports recommended by instructional and related service providers.
• Support and participate in meeting the objectives of the campus/department improvement plan.

 

Student Support:

• Foster independence by scaffolding support as directed by the classroom teacher.
• Communicate with families under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Assist in resolving parent/student issues and concerns in a timely manner.
• Assist in managing student behavior in the classroom and common campus areas in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.

 

Support of Administrative, Fiscal and/or Facilities Functions:

• Assist teacher with preparation of instructional equipment and displays; ensure specific materials and supplies are ready; maintain safe instructional area; perform clerical duties and assist with operation of equipment.
• Provide assistance to campuses/departments as requested.

 

Organization Improvement:

• Work collaboratively to improve programs.

 

Professional Growth and Development:

• Participate in professional development that increases effectiveness and improves District performance.

 

Texas Academic Performance Indicators and Campus Performance Objectives:

• Support the administration of state-mandated testing at campuses in compliance with state and federal guidelines.

 

School/Community Relations:

• Interact positively with employees and the community to provide needed information and to promote the District in a favorable manner.

 

Organization Morale:

• Participate in team building activities and the decision-making process as approprite.
• Communicate and collaborate with campus/department staff to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.

 

Other Responsibilities:

• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, including but not limited to State Board of Education and local Board policy.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

 

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Sit, walk, stand, stoop, and bend on a frequent basis.
• Lift and move up to 50 occasionally.
• Manage aggressive or dangerous behavior through SAMA de-escalation and physical restraint techniques.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Work involves moderate to frequent exposure to bacteria, communicable diseases, unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Work involves constant interpersonal interactions within the educational environment.
• Work may involve aggressive, physical contact initiated by students.