Special Education Teacher Assistant

Kosciuskoschools; Kosciusko (MS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Kosciusko seeks a Special Education Assistant to support certified staff and assist students in various educational activities. The ideal candidate will reinforce learning for individual and small groups, support classroom management, and help students with disabilities. Applicants should have an Associate's Degree or relevant qualifications and excellent communication skills. This role is critical in providing a safe and effective learning environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow written or oral instructions.
• Ability to work with students with diverse needs.
• Ability to establish supportive relationships with students.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in various subjects to reinforce learning.
• Support classroom management and minimize disruptions.
• Document student performance and behavior.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality maintenance

Basic arithmetic

PC and software applications

Education

Associate's Degree or Higher

60 College Credit Hours

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Standard office equipment

Job description

Position

• Position Type: Support Staff/ Special Education Assistant
• Date Posted: 8/21/2025
• Location: Kosciusko Middle Elementary
• Date Available: 09/08/2025
• Closing Date: 09/02/2025

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non‑professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, 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 the student 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, and distributes 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 personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Additional Duties

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff, or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.
• Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all‑inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Use standard office equipment: copiers, computers, printers, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished 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).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information 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 contacted in the course of work.
• 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 providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
• Hold an Associate's Degree or Higher.
• Two Years or 60 College Credit Hours (transcript verification required).
• High School diploma or equivalent AND Verification of WorkKeys Scores.

Note: To meet WorkKeys requirements, Assistant Teachers must meet the following criteria: (1) a Reading for Information score of 4, an Applied Mathematics score of 4, and a Writing or Business Writing score of 3; OR WorkKeys Silver Level certification: Workplace Documents score of 4, Applied Mathematics score of 4, and Writing or Business Writing score of 3.

FLSA Status: Non‑exempt