Special Education Teaching Assistant (K-5)

0200 Great Hearts Texas Recruiting; Forest Heights (MD); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional Benefits

Texas Teacher Retirement System

Professional development programs

Graduate degree tuition support with 3

Job summary

Great Hearts Forest Heights Lower School is hiring a Special Education Teaching Assistant (K-5) to support students in general and special education classrooms under certified teachers’ direction. The role involves academic and behavioral support, transitions, and basic clerical tasks to maintain an effective learning environment.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or higher, with associate’s degree preferred, and strong communication skills; familiarity with reading great books is

Qualifications

• High school diploma or higher required; associate's degree or higher preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; interest in reading great books.

Responsibilities

• Academic Support: Supports students in small groups or 1:1; adapt materials and provide modifications.
• Behavior Support: Monitor student behavior, implement strategies, and foster positive social interactions.
• Additional Support: Assist with transitions, personal hygiene, mobility, and clerical tasks for the ESS Team.
• Additional Duties: Attend meetings, maintain tidy work area, and support a positive learning environment.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Reading great books

Education

High school diploma or higher

Associate's degree or higher preferred

Job description

Position Title

Special Education Teaching Assistant (K-5)

Location

Great Hearts Forest Heights Lower School (5538 Research Rd., San Antonio, TX 78240)

Reports To

Headmaster

FLSA Status

Hourly, Non-Exempt

We are looking for life-long learners passionate about shaping students' hearts and minds. Join Great Hearts Academies, a growing network of 49 public, open-enrollment, tuition-free classical schools in Phoenix (AZ), Baton Rouge (LA), Dallas/Ft. Worth (TX), and San Antonio (TX). Great Hearts currently provides over 30,000 K-12 students with access to a high quality, classical liberal arts education. We believe the highest goal of education is to become good, intellectually and morally.

Distinctive benefits for Great Hearts faculty

Exceptional Benefits (medical, dental, vision etc.) with minimal employee cost Texas Teacher Retirement System Uniquely valuable professional development offerings, from great books seminars with academy colleagues, to leadership and special education coursework/pathways to reduced tuition graduate degree support with select partner universities.

Special Education Teaching Assistant role at Great Hearts

The Special Education Teaching Assistant is a non-certified assistant to the Special Education Program at the academy for both general education and special education resource classrooms. The assistant will work to support students in all settings on campus under the direction of and in collaboration with the certified Special Education teachers and General Education teachers. Additional duties may be included, depending on the experience and expertise of the candidate and the specific academy needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Support: Supports students in small groups or 1:1. Assist students with assignments, homework, projects. Understanding how to adapt materials and provide modifications to help students learn the material. Help students understand the classroom rules and reinforce the classroom rules.

Behavior Support: Monitor student behavior to ensure safety and appropriate interactions. Implement behavior management strategies. Assist students with developing social skills, appropriate interactions, and positive behaviors. Assist with de‑sclating student behaviors and ask for support for General Education Teacher and Special Education Team Members as needed. Reinforces SDI concepts that have already been in effect.

Additional Support: Help students with transitions and activities. Support students with personal hygiene needs such as toileting, feeding, and dressing. Support students with mobility and adaptive equipment. Provides general clerical support for the ESS Team.

Additional Duties: Attend meetings and training sessions. Help maintain a clean and organized work area. Provide a supportive and positive learning environment.

Required/Preferred Education

High school degree or higher. Ideally, candidates will hold an associate's degree or higher.

Required/Preferred Experience

Has experience in special education.

Required/Preferred Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills, and an interest in reading great books. Educational Aide certification I, II, or III preferred.

Physical Functions

Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.

US Work Authorization is required. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements. Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our purpose is to cultivate the minds and hearts of students through the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Great Hearts Academies leads the way in classical, liberal arts education. We are a growing network of charter schools and private Christian schools, expanding in existing and new regions across Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas. Whether you are seeking teaching, leadership, or campus support opportunities, we have established a mission-driven culture and emphasis on learning and growing, professionally and personally. At Great Hearts, we provide a calling to shape the future through an education that fosters human flourishing and academic excellence.

We celebrate diversity and welcome individuals from all backgrounds—inside and outside education—who bring unique perspectives and ideas to enrich our community. Through meaningful conversations and collaboration, we foster a strong, supportive cohort of educators. At Great Hearts, your passion and expertise will thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Learn how you can grow both in mind and heart as an employee of Great Hearts.