TEXAS LEADERSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Job Title:                     Special Education Teaching Assistant

Department:                Assigned Campus

Reports To:                 Campus Principal

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

Provides support to the instructional program within the assigned campus with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision and instruction of students served by the Special Education program; observing and documenting student progress, implementing plans for instruction, and assisting students by providing for special health care and personal care needs. Work under the general supervision of the principal and the immediate direction of a certified teacher.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing content learning objectives and IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications.
• Assists students by enabling them access electronic communicators, switches, pointers, feeders, etc. for the purpose of accessing the general curriculum.
• Assist students transferring in an out of wheelchairs, loading and unloading transportation vehicles, and transitioning around campus.
• Assists with lunch and pre-lunch activities for the purpose of helping the teacher and lunch personnel get the student fed.
• Attends meetings and staff development for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job function.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff and professional support personnel for the purpose of evaluation of progress and/or implementing IEP goals/objectives.
• Monitors student during assigned periods within a variety of school environments for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs clerical tasks as needed to assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials.
• Assists students with personal care and personal hygiene as required by the students IEP.
• Assists students with a variety of instructional and assessment accommodations according to their IEPs.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the teacher and/or building principal or designee.
• Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations, state law, and local policy and procedures.
• Assist in managing the behavior of students and crisis intervention, including restraining students who present a clear danger to themselves or others.
• Assist in supervising students throughout the school day inside and outside the classroom, including lunchroom, bus duty, playground and other duties as assigned.
• Assist in inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment
• Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing required reports.
• Maintain confidentiality
• Participate in staff development, faculty meetings, and special events as needed.
• Follow attendance policy as assigned by supervisor.
• Perform other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or supervisor.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

• Maintains emotional control under stress. The usual and customary methods of performing the functions of this position require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, significant stooping, kneeling, and crouching. The job requires working with students who may not exhibit symptoms of illness thereby allowing exposure to unknown illnesses. May be exposed to biological hazards.
• Assist in toileting including diapering, feeding or oral facilitation, and personal hygiene for students as needed. With appropriate training, provide venting gastrointestinal tube, suctioning, skilled lifting, and percussion breathing treatments delivered in conjunction with health services.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certified/Able to be Certified by the TEA in the area assigned

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Willing to be a positive team member
• Work well with children served by Special Education and Related Services
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience:

• Prior experience working with children