Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School

DuPage ROE; Wheaton (IL); On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a dedicated Special Education Teaching Assistant to support teachers and enhance the learning experience for students with disabilities. In this fulfilling role, you will assist in both instructional and non-instructional activities, helping students thrive in a supportive environment. Your responsibilities will include working closely with students, implementing behavior management strategies, and maintaining positive relationships with staff and parents. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and possess the necessary qualifications, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid Illinois Educator License or Substitute Teaching License.
• Ability to assist in educational processes for students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in meeting the needs of special education students.
• Work individually or in small groups with students on academic studies.

Skills

Effective interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Ability to work with children

Behavior management

Child guidance principles

Education

Current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)

Current Illinois Substitute Teaching License

Associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution

Tools

Computers and basic programs

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/ Teaching Assistant - Special Education

Date Posted:
4/10/2025

Location:
Madison Elementary

District:
Community Unit School District 200

Current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)

Current Illinois Substitute Teaching License

Current IllinoisEducator License with Stipulations Endorsed-Paraprofessional Educator (If you do not already hold a Teaching/Substitute License):

• The requirements are: Associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution; 60 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited institution; High school diploma, or equivalent + 480 or higher on the ETS Parapro test; High school diploma, or equivalent + 4 or higher on the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math and Workplace Documents.

Current Illinois Short Term Approval (STA) - Paraprofessional :

• The requirements are: Minimum Age - 19 years old, Application in ELIS ($50 application fee), Proof of High School Graduation - copy of diploma, copy of transcript showing graduation date, GED, etc.
• For more information on how to apply to obtain the STA please reference the attached file.

Have the ability to work effectively with children.

Have the ability to function within the framework of the school environment.

Effective interpersonal and communication skills.

Computers and basic programs.

Child guidance principles and practices.

Behavior management and positive reinforcement.

Classroom procedures and appropriate conduct.

Basic record keeping methods.

Assist with providing a variety of activities for a balanced program of instruction, giving students opportunity to observe, question and investigate.

Reinforce information and instructions following a lesson.

Work with students individually or in small groups in academic studies, basic life skills and other assigned instruction.

Implement behavior modification plans and procedures designed for individual students when necessary.

Maintain confidentiality regarding students.

Maintain positive relationships with all students, school staff and parents.

Observe and record student's progress.

Assist individual or groups of students during activities including recess, lunch and getting children safely on and off bus.

Assist with hygiene and toileting activities which might include transferring and lifting students. Sanitize classroom and equipment using approved materials.

STA PARA Info and Instructions Aug22.pdf

2024-2025 School Year Hourly rate determined by CEA collective bargaining agreement.
Starting Hourly Rate: Grade LTA,$16.48
Hours/Day: 6.5 (full-time)
Work days/year: 178

SUMMARY:
The Special Education Teaching Assistant assists teachers in meeting the needs of special education students. The primary focus is to assist and enhance the educational process of students with disabilities in both instructional and non-instructional activities. 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.

LICENSURE:
The State of Illinois requires Special Education Teaching Assistants to have one of the following:

• Current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
• Current Illinois Substitute Teaching License
• Current IllinoisEducator License with Stipulations Endorsed-Paraprofessional Educator (If you do not already hold a Teaching/Substitute License):
  • The requirements are: Associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution; 60 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited institution; High school diploma, or equivalent + 480 or higher on the ETS Parapro test; High school diploma, or equivalent + 4 or higher on the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math and Workplace Documents.
• Current Illinois Short Term Approval (STA) - Paraprofessional :
  • The requirements are: Minimum Age - 19 years old, Application in ELIS ($50 application fee), Proof of High School Graduation - copy of diploma, copy of transcript showing graduation date, GED, etc.
  • For more information on how to apply to obtain the STA please reference the attached file.

If you have any questions regarding obtaining a Licensure please contact:
DuPage Regional Office of Education, Licensure Division
421 N. County Farm Road Wheaton, IL 60187
630-407-5800 [e-mail]

ADDITIONAL JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Have the ability to work effectively with children.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Have the ability to work effectively with children.
• Have the ability to function within the framework of the school environment.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.

Working knowledge of:

• Computers and basic programs.
• Child guidance principles and practices.
• Behavior management and positive reinforcement.
• Classroom procedures and appropriate conduct.
• Basic record keeping methods.

TYPICAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with providing a variety of activities for a balanced program of instruction, giving students opportunity to observe, question and investigate.
• Reinforce information and instructions following a lesson.
• Work with students individually or in small groups in academic studies, basic life skills and other assigned instruction.
• Implement behavior modification plans and procedures designed for individual students when necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students.
• Maintain positive relationships with all students, school staff and parents.
• Observe and record student's progress.
• Assist individual or groups of students during activities including recess, lunch and getting children safely on and off bus.
• Assist with hygiene and toileting activities which might include transferring and lifting students. Sanitize classroom and equipment using approved materials.

PHYSICAL ABILITY:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and run. The employee will experience occasional lifting and or moving up to 100 lbs, such as lifting a child from the floor. The employee must be able to push/pull items up to 80 lbs., such as children in wheelchairs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Hazards- Potential exposure to communicable disease and contact with blood and other body fluids; potential exposure to physical injury from aggressive behavior.