SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER ASSISTANT

Pattison's Academy; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Pattison's Academy in Charleston, SC seeks a Teacher Assistant for the 2026-2027 school year to support students with multiple disabilities in grades K–12+. The role reports to the Principal and collaborates with the special education teacher to ensure a seamless education, medical and therapy integration within the classroom.

The interdisciplinary model focuses on student growth, independence and a positive learning environment, with opportunities to contribute to adaptive education strategies

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or two years of college study (minimum).
• Experience with children with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the special education teacher to implement IEPs and educational strategies.
• Assist in implementing therapeutic programs as directed by therapists.
• Track student performance and maintain records of progress and behavior observations.
• Support student participation and independence with appropriate assistance.
• Use positive behavioral support to encourage social skills and self-regulation.
• Assist in basic medical/health routines as directed by nursing staff.
• Provide personal care assistance including feeding and toileting.
• Prepare instructional materials and organize classroom resources.
• Maintain classroom and equipment cleanliness and safety requirements.

Skills

Experience with disabilities

Collaborating with teachers

Education

High School Diploma

Two years of college coursework

Job description

Salary

Commensurate with experience and current state salary schedules

Organization Overview

Pattison's Academy is a nonprofit organization with the mission to unlock the potential of individuals with disabilities and empower their families. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, we provide individualized, comprehensive, year-round programming for children with disabilities through our charter school, summer camp, therapy services, and early intervention services. Our collaborative model places the child at the center of care and surrounds them with a multidisciplinary team of specialized providers, ensuring that all children's needs are addressed with compassion and expertise. By consolidating their care network, we provide a one-stop destination with the tools necessary for children with disabilities and their families to thrive.

Job Summary

Pattison's Academy Charter School currently has openings for a teacher assistant for the 2026-2027 school year. The teacher assistant is pivotal in supporting the mission of Pattison's Academy. Reporting to the Principal, this position works closely with the special education teacher to support the learning environment for children with multiple disabilities in grades K – 12+. Our interdisciplinary model provides seamless education, medical and therapy services in the classroom environment, so our children have every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma + pass a formal state-approved academic assessment OR at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (minimum)
• Experience with children with disabilities preferred

Responsibilities

The Teacher Assistant’s duties, though not exhaustive, comprise the following:

• Collaborate with the special education teacher to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and educational strategies tailored to each student's needs.
• Assists in implementing therapeutic programs as directed by occupational, physical, and speech therapists.
• Collaborate with teachers and other team members to track student performance and maintain accurate records of student progress, behavior observations, etc.
• Supports student participation and independence while providing appropriate assistance and encouragement.
• Use positive behavioral support to encourage students and provide guidance in developing social skills and self-regulation.
• Assists in basic medical and health routines for students as directed and trained by nursing staff.
• Provide personal care assistance to students including assisting with personal hygiene needs such as oral feeding, tube feeding, and toileting.
• Assist in managing classroom activities, including preparing instructional materials, setting up learning stations, and organizing classroom resources.
• Maintains cleanliness of classroom and student equipment throughout the day and at the end of the day as needed to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Ensures compliance with all safety requirements.
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Nurtures a positive and pleasant work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.