Pay is based on years of experience as an Instructional Aide determined by a Service Record.   

Primary Purpose:

Help meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Associate’s degree, two years of study at an institution of higher learning, or have met formal academic assessment as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to work with children with disabilities

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience:

Some experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support

1. Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
2. Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the facilitator and classroom teachers.
3. Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPS) for the students and monitor their progress.
4. Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
5. Work with other professionals, such as speech therapist, occupational and physical therapists.
6. Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
7. Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
8. Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
9. Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
10. Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

Student Management

1. Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting; positioning; or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
2. Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed.
3. Recognize differences in each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly.
4. Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
5. Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
6. Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

Other

1. Maintain confidentiality.
2. Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
3. Maintain accurate SHARS billing logs.
4. Accompanies student(s) on community and vocational training trips off campus, as assigned.
5. Works in a cooperative manner with teacher and other professionals.
6. Follows directives regarding student needs and instructional program.
7. Performs other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as the Director of Special Education may assign.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students

Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking and reaching

Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment

Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

***Other Duties as Assigned.