Functional Academic Aide

Young World Physical Education; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Connally Independent School District is seeking a Functional Academic Aide at Connally Elementary School in Waco, Texas. The role focuses on helping meet the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities and supporting classroom programs under supervision of certified staff.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, Texas educational aide certification, and ability to work with children with disabilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or two years of college may substitute.
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate required.
• Ability to work with children with disabilities and follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Support students with physical disabilities including transfers and personal care.
• Monitor student behavior and assist with crisis situations as needed.
• Adapt methods for individual student needs and supervise during school hours.

Skills

Ability to communicate effectively

Follow verbal and written instructions

Work with children with disabilities

Experience with children

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree or two years of college

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Tools

General office equipment

Job description

Connally Independent School District Connally Elementary School - Waco, Texas Open in Google Maps

Functional Academic Aide

Connally Independent School District Connally Elementary School - Waco, Texas Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in ESC Region 12

Job Details

Job ID: 5885185

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 13, 2026 7:00 PM (UTC)

Job Description

Beginning Salary $13.67/hour

Primary Purpose:

Help meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities. 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

• High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
• Have met formal academic assessment, associate's degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning*
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate
• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment
• 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; positioning; or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed.
• Recognize differences in each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly.
• 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.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Alternative methods of performing duties.

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 non-ambulatory 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

Required by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for aides who are providing instructional support in Title I, Part A program.

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Contact Information

• Keith Hannah , Chief Executive Human Resource Officer
• 200 Cadet Way
• Waco, Texas 76705
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]