Special Education Teacher Assistant - Lee County School District

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under general supervision, assists students with special needs in reaching their physical, mental, academic and social development potential. Assists teachers in instructing and directing the activities of students to provide a well-organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment. Assists school administrators and staff with various administrative and clerical functions as requested. Reports to the assigned classroom teacher and school principal.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assists students with academic exercises and class activities; concentrates efforts with small groups of students and individuals as necessary.

May assist with basic computer instruction.

Compiles, prepares and organizes materials and classroom for instruction and classroom activities.

May serve as testing proctor for assigned class.

Assists in cleaning and storing of materials after completion of activities.

Reinforces all knowledge and skills taught by the classroom teacher, speech therapists and physical therapists; assists teacher with academic instruction and the instruction of daily living routines, skills and concepts.

May assist with physical health programs, including exercising, stretching and walking for physical therapy; adjusts special equipment / adaptive equipment for student use as needed; monitors and inspects students’ prostheses, casts, braces, etc., for proper functioning.

Performs tasks and errands for students as necessary; provides basic locomotion, first aid, feeding, hygiene, toileting, removing / putting on outerwear, etc.

Assists with behavior and discipline concerns as outlined in each student’s IEP or behavior plan; observes students' behavior and notifies teacher and/or school nurse of behavioral changes as appropriate; redirects behavior if possible.

Works with individual students to help them adjust behaviorally and academically into partially or fully mainstream classroom and social situations.

Assists teacher by performing such duties as recording daily attendance, grading assignments, recording daily assignments for students, recording and/or analyzing test scores/grades, substituting as needed, setting up special projects, escorting students to other areas of the school, packing / unpacking student communication folders, running errands, ordering supplies, etc.

Collects and receipts monies for monthly activity fees, school fees, school pictures, field trips, meal fees, etc.

Supervises and assists students when unloading and loading buses, in the halls, on field trips, during testing, during lunch and on school grounds.

May prepare daily snacks for and/or serve meals to students.

Coordinates and/or participates in special programs or projects as assigned.

Attends staff meetings as required; participates in in-service training programs.

Receives and responds to inquiries and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility.

Keeps abreast of developments in special education and grade-appropriate curriculum and instruction.

Operates wheelchairs and a variety of office and specialized equipment, which may include a computer, printer, copier, calculator, telephone, audio-visual equipment, laminating machine, binding machine, waxing machine, die cutter, etc.; uses clerical, copier, computer supplies, arts and crafts supplies, instructional supplies and materials.

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the classroom teacher, other teachers, principals, physical / occupational / speech therapists, counselors, other school staff, District staff, students, parents, volunteers and the general public.

Attends training, conferences, workshops, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.

Interacts with others in a respectful and cooperative manner at all times.

Willingly performs other related duties as assigned or required.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Requires Associate’s degree or an equivalent to the satisfactory completion of two years of college education, supplemented by some experience working with special needs students in an educational setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge:

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and activities of the school District which pertain to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.  Has the ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information. Has knowledge of the various handicaps encountered in the school setting; has knowledge of teaching and instruction techniques for students with special needs. Has knowledge of the characteristics of the age group assigned. Is able to establish and maintain positive relationships and work effectively and patiently with adults and students. Is able to supervise, guide and support handicapped students; is able to effectively lead and teach by example. Is able to reinforce and demonstrate skills taught by the teacher. Is able to follow lesson plans provided by the teacher. Is able to motivate students to participate in educational activities and to want to learn. Is able to assist students with patience and kindness. Is able to assist students with daily living skills, including the use of wheelchairs and other special / adaptive equipment. Is able to effectively assist students with adjusting to mainstream classroom and social situations. Is able to perform job tasks professionally in an environment where discrimination and other public issues are constant concerns. Has knowledge of and is able to use modern office practices and equipment, including computers. Has knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling; has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations.

Skills/Effort:

Is able to type accurately at a rate sufficient for the successful performance of assigned duties. Is skilled in applying a responsible attention to detail as necessary in preparing records, reports and correspondence. Is able to read and interpret various materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to use independent judgment in performing routine tasks. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Is able to offer assistance to fellow employees as necessary. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with co-workers, personnel of other departments, parents, students and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the position. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.

Working Conditions:

Conducts duties in a classroom environment with some exposure to environmental conditions.  Requires ability to work under a degree of stress related to duties that require constant attention and working with students.  Physical demands are restricted to classroom work requiring the lifting/moving of items weighing up to 25 pounds. May be required to lift, carry and/or restrain young children for short periods of time. Job requires the operation of standard office equipment. 

Responsibility:

No district supervisory responsibilities.