Special Education Teacher Aide

Palmyra-Macedon Central School District; Town of Palmyra (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Palmyra-Macedon Central School District is seeking a Special Education Teacher Aide to support teachers and students by performing various teaching-related duties. The ideal candidate will assist students in their learning processes and foster a positive, welcoming environment.

Key responsibilities include guiding individual pupils, maintaining classroom discipline, and collaborating with teachers. Qualifications include a high school diploma and effective communication skills. This role is crucial in enhancing student achievement and promoting a collaborative school culture.

Qualifications

• Ability to assist students with their learning and physical needs.
• Effective communication with staff and parents.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers in performing teaching functions.
• Guide students on specialized instructional projects.
• Maintain classroom routines and assist with behavior issues.
• Ensure a welcoming environment for all visitors.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Patience

Organizational skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position

Special Education Teacher Aide

Location

TBD

Reports To

Building Administrator, District Administrator, or Department Supervisor/Director

Distinguishing Features of the Class

This title is used for positions created primarily to relieve school teachers of duties that, while related to teaching, can be performed by non‑professional personnel. The duties differ from those of a School Monitor because they are more complex. The duties of a School Monitor are generally quite limited, whereas those of a Teacher Aide often require specific skills or abilities.

In addition to the job description below, this position will focus on alternative to suspension/in‑school suspension, hall monitor duties, and supervision of students.

Job Description

Purpose

The Teacher Aide will primarily support teachers in performing their teaching functions through duties related to the teaching process and by helping teachers meet the physical needs of children. The Teacher Aide will also be the “face” of the building/department, ensuring all patrons receive a warm and friendly greeting. This result‑oriented job description is provided in conjunction with the Wayne County Civil Service document.

Guiding Philosophy of a Palmyra‑Macedon Teacher Aide

• Embrace learning for all.
• Create and enthusiastically be part of a collaborative culture.
• Value collective capacity through job‑embedded professional learning.
• Focus on results, not activities.
• Implement change for its effect on increased student achievement and overall enhancement of the organization.
• Embrace the model of continuous improvement.

Expected Results

1. The Teacher Aide will guide students regarding the teacher’s directed differentiated instruction they need by:

• Working with individual pupils or groups of pupils on special instructional projects.
• Assisting pupils in the use of provided instructional resources.
• Utilizing their own special skills and abilities to aid the teacher’s directed instructional programs in such areas as foreign languages, arts, crafts, music and similar subjects.
• Assisting students with specific health‑related activities as appropriate.
• Providing the teacher with information about pupils, which will assist the teacher in developing appropriate learning and behavioral experiences.
• Overseeing the technical operations of language and science laboratory equipment, set‑up and breakdown.
• Assisting students with the technical operation of computers, accessing information on the Internet, and accessing word processing and other computer programs.
• Reading prepared scripts to children such as test modifications and books.
• Proctoring and assisting with the technical functions of examinations.
• Maintaining classroom routines and assisting with behavior issues at the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Assisting teachers with the correction of test papers, recording of grades, maintaining files and preparing statistical reports.
• When assigned to support matters of the Code of Conduct related to school bus transportation, the employee shall be responsible (0.4 FTE) to work with school bus drivers, parents, counselors, and the building principal to address bus disciplinary matters, conduct transportation investigations, board buses, implement approved behavior plans, and coordinate with the transportation office on such matters.

2. The Teacher Aide will ensure all parents, students, community members, employees, and all visitors to the Palmyra‑Macedon CSD will experience the Pal‑Mac Way by:

• Greeting parents, students, community members, employees, and all visitors with a friendly and helpful attitude.
• Displaying a customer‑service approach when working with others in person, on the phone, and through written and electronic communication.
• Being attentive to the needs of all individuals who request assistance.
• Communicating clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Utilizing their skills to de‑escalate a situation when other people are in a heightened or excited state.
• Being patient.

3. The Teacher Aide will assume other duties, projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Building Administrator or Department Supervisor/Director.

Minimum Qualities, Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
• Fingerprint clearance through New York State Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability.
• Evidence of an open, collaborative style that fosters a sense of teamwork and common purpose.
• Proven people skills and effective communication with a sense of humor. The successful candidate will be positive, approachable, and respectful of others.
• Willingness to become an active, engaged and visible member of the Pal‑Mac community.
• Clear oral and written communication skills, including electronic communication.
• Ability to collaborate with other staff, administrators, students, and parents.
• Use of problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills.
• Listens first.

Evaluation

The Teacher Aide will report to the Building Administrator or Department Supervisor/Director and be evaluated by the District‑approved document.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Ability to work well with others as a team.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Good general intelligence; ability to establish good relationships with children and others; familiarity with classroom routine; good background or knowledge in specific fields where specialized duties are involved; above‑average clerical aptitude; resourcefulness in conducting the above‑described activities indirectly related to teaching; ability to maintain discipline; tact; courtesy; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Acceptable Experience and Training

Graduation from high school supplemented by additional experience and knowledge in a particular field where specialized duties are involved, or any equivalent combination of experience and training.