Aide - Life Skills Classroom (3321, 3492)

Dunlap School District #323; Dunlap (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local school district in Dunlap, Illinois, seeks a Special Education Assistant to support a well-organized classroom environment and directly assist the teacher and students. The role requires a state-approved education license and offers opportunities for professional development. Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent organizational skills and a nurturing approach towards students, helping them thrive academically in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• State approved education license issued through the Illinois State Board of Education required (PARA, PEL, SUB, ELS-PEDU).
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to read, write and speak the English language.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material.
• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning.
• Provide personal hygiene assistance as outlined in students' IEP.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Multi-tasking

Positive interaction with children

Proficiency in office software

Education

State approved education license

Job description

• Position Type: Support Staff / Special Education Assistant
• Date Posted: 3/10/2025
• Location: Dunlap High School
• Date Available: ASAP
• Closing Date: Open until filled

Position Objective

To promote and support a well-organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment in which students can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resources. To provide immediate and direct support to the classroom teacher and student(s) in providing students’ instructional programs.

Essential Functions

• Follows district, building, and classroom policies, procedures, regulations, and attendance standards
• Strives to implement the district’s philosophy of educational and instructional goals and objectives under the supervision of the classroom teacher
• Works with individual students or in small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced by the teacher
• Assists the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual needs, interests, and abilities
• Effectively assists special education and/or regular education teacher(s) with classroom management and instructional process
• Operates and cares for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes
• Helps students master instructional objectives assigned by the teacher
• Monitors student work and assists within the regular classroom
• Assists with independent study and remedial work as assigned by the teacher
• Checks notebooks, corrects paper, supervises testing and make‑up work, and performs other classroom clerical work as assigned by the teacher
• Assists with all routines in the classroom
• Serves as the chief source of information and assistance to a substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular classroom teacher
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected for classroom teachers
• Participates in all in‑service training programs, SIP activities, and other professional development activities when approved by administration
• Identifies and assists students without teacher direction
• Spends a high level of time in direct student contact
• Discusses student progress with the classroom teacher at the completion of the day’s assigned lesson
• Collects data for purposes of monitoring student achievement and growth
• Competently prepares and/or produces usable materials
• Competently assists with medical procedures and physical/personal problems when required
• Communicates effectively and maintains appropriate interactions with teachers and all professional staff
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and initiative
• Accepts constructive criticism
• Uses time efficiently
• Provides personal hygiene assistance as outlined in students IEP, if applicable

Additional Functions

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• State approved education license issued through the Illinois State Board of Education required (PARA, PEL, SUB, ELS-PEDU)

Competencies

• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills. Able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels, students, parents, and the general public
• Ability to interact with children in a positive and nurturing manner
• Ability to multi‑task while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor
• Adaptable to different work scenarios and schedules. Able to prioritize efforts in order to achieve a student‑focused solution
• Proficient in standard office software applications
• Ability to collaborate and provide shared leadership
• Ability to read, write and speak the English language
• Ability to assess and anticipate instructional and supervision tasks needed
• Understanding of school, district, and state rules and regulations regarding school operations

Working Conditions

• Mental Demands: calculating, comparing, evaluation, interpreting, organizing, consulting, analyzing, planning, documenting, specifying, coordinating, implementing, and presenting
• Physical Demands: bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting for prolonged periods of time, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity
• Environmental Conditions: The work is performed primarily indoors; however, outside work is required on occasion. Travel between buildings or for community based instruction may be a requirement