Special Education Assistant

Ann Arbor Public Schools; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Ann Arbor Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Assistant for Haisley Elementary School. This role involves assisting students with special needs in their academic and personal development, collaborating with teachers to enhance instructional materials, and maintaining student progress records. Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with further education preferred. Effective communication skills and experience in behavior management are essential for this position, supporting a diverse student body in a moderate to loud working environment.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform academic work at the level of assignment (K-8 or secondary).
• CPI training or willingness to be trained.
• Read, write and comprehend basic instructions and correspondence.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with behavior management and social skills.
• Work with teacher to modify and create instructional materials.
• Maintain accurate records monitoring student progress.

Skills

Experience working with special education students

Behavior management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates or Bachelor's degree

60 credit hours from approved institution

Job description

Position Type: Support Staff / Special Ed Assistant

Position

Title: Special Education Assistant

FTE: 1.0

Location: Haisley Elementary School

Salary: AAEA/P Salary Schedule

Reporting Relationship: Classroom Teacher / Building Principal

Qualifications Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The following is a list of qualifications for the position, any one of which may be waived by the Board in exercising its prerogative to determine qualifications.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least one of the following:
  • Associates or Bachelor's degree.
  • 60 credit hours from approved post secondary institution, or CDA certificate with the ability to complete additional 30 hours.
  • Have passing score on one of the following state approved academic assessments:
    • WorkKeys Proficiency Certificate for Teacher Assistants
    • Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC)
    • ETS ParaPro Assessment
• Experience working with special education students.
• Must be able to perform academic work at the level of assignment (K-8 or secondary).
• CPI training or willingness to be trained.

Job Responsibilities

• Maintenance and disciplinary activities in lunchroom and in other school settings.
• Assist students with bus arrival and departure.
• Provide assistance with behavior management, physical management and social skills.
• Work with teacher to modify and create instructional materials.
• Work together as a team with teacher(s) and other support staff.
• Assist students with self-care needs, which may include personal hygiene and toileting.
• Facilitate communication between students, staff and family members.
• Maintain accurate records monitoring student progress.
• Monitor activities to ensure safety of student, classmates and other staff.
• Accompany students on field trips.
• Willingness to be trained in the areas of: seizure protocol, administering medications, asthma/allergy care, and other areas as needed.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Language Skills

• Read, write and comprehend basic instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to staff, parents, students and administrators.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Mathematical Skills

• Add, subtract, and multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

• Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Work with parents and children of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Develop effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community.
• Perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. Occasionally the employee will bend or twist the neck more than the average person. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs such as boxes of books and AV/VCR carts. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well‑being, or work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is frequently required to interact with the public and staff and is directly responsible for the safety, well‑being or work output of students.

ADA Statement

Ann Arbor Public Schools complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applications and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources department at [e-mail].