Special Education Associate (High)

Young World Physical Education; DeWitt (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education in DeWitt, Iowa, is looking for a Special Education Associate to support certified staff and work directly with students. The role involves assisting students academically and behaviorally, ensuring a safe classroom environment, and fostering independence.

Qualifications include a high-school diploma or equivalent, with a preference for a para-educator license and prior experience with special needs. The position offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a difference in students' lives.

Qualifications

• High-school diploma or equivalent required.
• Para-educator license preferred.
• Experience with special-needs children is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist and guide students to reinforce learning.
• Work with students in small groups and individually.
• Help with classroom preparations and management.

Skills

Ability to carry out instructions

Arithmetic operations

Understanding computer applications

Working with diverse individuals

Effective communication skills

Education

High-school diploma or equivalent

Para‑educator license preferred

Prior experience with special-needs children

Job description

Job Description

TITLE: Special Education Associate – High School

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

POSITION PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the building principal, the Special Education Associate supports certified staff by working directly with students to help them access instruction, achieve learning goals, and develop independence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests, and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assists students in non‑instructional areas, such as supervising lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non‑instructional areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies, distributes and uses educational materials as needed.
• Assists the teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in the IEP process and serves as a resource for the student evaluation team as needed.
• Assists students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living to maximize participation in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students.
• Selects and requisition appropriate books, aids, and other supplies and equipment, and maintains inventory records.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Assist guidance, student support staff, or building administration as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to carry out instructions conveyed in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Google Suite).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding students, employees, and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE

• Any combination of education and experience that provides the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.
• Typical qualifications:
  • High‑school diploma or equivalent.
  • Para‑educator license preferred.
  • Prior experience working with special‑needs children is desirable.

FLSA STATUS

Non‑Exempt

EEO STATEMENT

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job skills and functions, subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job‑related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.