Primary Purpose

Help special education teacher provide for physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in special education setting. 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

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate/Bachelor Degree, 48 hours college, or PAKS training
• 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

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Student Management
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.
• Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
  • Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Equipment Used

• Wheelchair lift, ramp, personal computer, copier, typewriter, and audiovisual equipment.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

• Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students. Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.