Special Education Teaching Assistant

Special Education Teaching Assistant (Self-Contained)The purpose of this classification is to assist the classroom teacher in daily duties and the management of the classroom, and to assist special education students with academic, functional and personal needs. Responsible for helping to maintain positive behaviors in the classroom and keeping order on a daily basis. Must meet the Highly Qualified requirements.Essential Job Duties are intended to be examples of duties and are not intended to be all inclusive. There will be other duties as assigned.1) Present instructional materials and aid students with the teacher's guidance.2) Assist with keeping students focused, organized, and completing daily work; check student folders each day for money, notes from parents, etc., and hand the folders out at the end of the day with school information.3) Supervise students in the bathroom, classroom, hall, lunchroom and playground; escort students to other classes or areas of the school.4) Monitor student health, watching for any illness or injury; may administer immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a healthcare professional (e.g. diapering, tube feeding, medication, etc.) for the purpose of meeting immediate health and basic care needs.5) Take attendance daily and maintain records.6) Lead students to the bus area and ensure they are loaded on the correct bus.7) Assist the classroom teaching in the administration of special programs, such as literacy and reading programs; assist the classroom teacher with assessments and testing.8) Guide independent study and enrichment work supervising small groups of students.9) Distribute materials to students as needed; assist in material preparation for lessons; make copies of instructional materials; file copies for future use.Additional duties include: assisting the classroom teacher with grading assignments, as needed; assisting in the preparation of meals and snacks for students; keeping hall exhibits labeled and up-to-date; assisting students with mobility needs such as lifting and positioning students, loading and unloading on the bus, transporting students in and around the school and on field trips; assisting with behavior modification, reporting student concerns directly to the classroom teacher, and assisting with student resolution; participating in the implementation of student behavior plans for the purpose of ensuring an effective and safe learning environment for all students; assisting in the development of students' positive socialization skills and behaviors; attending staff meetings and serving on committees as required; aiding the classroom teacher in cleaning and organizing the classroom at the end of the school year; participating in the implementation of IEP goals for the purpose of meeting IEP goals and or District benchmarks; aiding students with skills to help them become proficient and confident readers; providing individual interventions for students with severe disabilities, including aggressive behaviors, under the direction of the teacher/representative of the district; and participating in professional development activities.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities include knowledge of District employee handbook; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to maintain composure in any situation; knowledge of working with special education students specific to education level assignment; knowledge of behavior modification techniques; knowledge of content standards for students; knowledge of student development; ability to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions; knowledge of behavior management strategies; requires problem-solving with data frequently requiring independent interpretation; knowledge of positive communication strategies; knowledge of classroom management techniques; knowledge of core high school subjects; knowledge of autistic behaviors; must have good interpersonal skills with regular education teachers; knowledge of basic literacy skills; knowledge of DIBELs testing, evaluation, and scoring; knowledge of progress monitoring and scoring; knowledge of basic reading, writing, and vocabulary skills; ability to maintain confidentiality concerning student records, data, and personal information; and meet the educational requirements as mandated in the No Child Left Behind legislation.Tools and Equipment Usage includes use of computers for data entry; use of hand-held power equipment or light machinery; use of computers for word processing, spreadsheets or custom applications; use of printers, laminator, copiers, die cut machine, binder machine, and other office equipment.Education: Completion of an associate's degree preferred.Licenses: Required: Must be Highly Qualified. CPR/First Aid Certification.Certification: Preferred: Annual training updates in Crisis Prevention Intervention. Training in applied verbal behavior strategies for children.