Exceptional Children Teacher Assistant for the 2026-2027 School Year

Onslow County Public Schools; Jacksonville (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Jacksonville, North Carolina is seeking an Exceptional Children Teacher Assistant for the 2026-2027 school year. This role involves supporting children with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities alongside teachers and therapists. Candidates should have a relevant Associate's degree and strong communication skills. Responsibilities include maintaining student safety, assisting with academic tasks, and ensuring compliance with educational policies. The position offers a collaborative and engaging work environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to work with disabled children aged 3 to 21 for extended periods.
• Ability to relate to and interact with disabled children.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information.

Responsibilities

• Assists teachers and therapists in daily classroom activities.
• Monitors safety and well-being of students in all areas.
• Supports academic growth and implements educational programs.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations

Knowledge of the care and educational needs of individuals with disabilities

Ability to work cooperatively with other school personnel

Education

Associate's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university

Two-year Associate's Degree in Education preferred

Minimum 2.5 GPA required

Job description

Exceptional Children Teacher Assistant for the 2026-2027 School Year

Southwest Middle - Jacksonville, North Carolina

Job Description

Assists teachers and therapists in daily classroom activities caring for children with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities under general supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Follows all rules, policies, and procedures.
• Assists in classroom/student management and maintaining discipline.
• Assists students on individual academic assignments.
• Assists children with gross and fine motor activities.
• Assists children with dressing, eating, grooming, toileting, and personal hygiene.
• Assembles, adjusts, and maintains instructional equipment.
• Assists therapists and other specialists.
• Records student behavior, progress, and related data.
• Performs clerical duties: maintains records, files incident reports, grades papers, checks attendance, makes copies, develops displays and instructional materials, operates audiovisual equipment.
• Implements educational programs; administers and scores tests.
• Monitors safety and well-being of students in all areas.
• Assists students with digital age learning.
• Encourages and supports academic growth.
• Models ethical and appropriate behavior.
• Supervises students during drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, lunch, recess, specials, hygiene routines, snack time; serves as bus monitor if applicable.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of the care and educational needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to work with disabled children aged 3 to 21 for extended periods.
• Ability to relate to and interact with disabled children.
• Ability to operate data entry equipment and maintain records.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other school personnel.

Education and Training

• Two‑year Associate's Degree in Education preferred.
• Associate's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university required (emphasis in mathematics, reading, writing, and content knowledge).
• Minimum 2.5 GPA required.
• ETTP course completion and dated certificate within the first school year.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to be physically active: standing, pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, sitting, and walking, including repetitive motions.
• Ability to stand for over 6 hours.
• Ability to lift moderate to heavy weight (60–100 pounds).
• Must be able to visually, auditorily, and physically monitor student performance and conduct.
• Must be able to facilitate evacuation of students during emergency situations or drills.
• Must possess sufficient auditory and visual capabilities to communicate effectively and professionally with staff, students, and parents.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Onslow County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. EOE.