Teacher Assistant ESE ASD

School District of DeSoto County; United States; On-site; USD 24,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The School District of DeSoto County is seeking a Teacher Assistant for Exceptional Student Education to provide instructional and technical support to meet the specialized needs of students with disabilities.

Under supervision, you will assist teachers in planning, adapting instruction, preparing materials, and supervising students to ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment and successful progress toward IEP goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of college with minimum 60 credit hours OR Associate’s or higher degree.
• Knowledge and ability to assist in instruction in core subjects as verified by ParaPro or equivalent.
• Satisfactory criminal background check and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in preparing materials, teaching aids, bulletin boards and equipment for direct instructional activity.
• Schedule space for specialized instructional programs and coordinate equipment and activity areas.
• Assist in modifications of the curriculum to align with IEPs for students with disabilities.
• Provide one-on-one support and line-of-sight supervision as needed.
• Provide instructional assistance as planned or coordinated by the teacher.
• Lead small group activities and maintain an effective classroom environment.

Job description

TEACHER ASSISTANT - EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION

JOB DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Must meet one of the following:

Two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education (equivalent to a minimum of 60 credit hours); or

Associate’s or higher degree; or

Knowledge and ability to assist in instruction in core subjects as verified by a rigorous state or local assessment (ParaPro).

Satisfactory criminal background check and drug screening.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of school procedures and policies. Ability to adapt to different situations and schedules. Knowledge of the techniques and procedures used in working with students with disabilities. Ability to relate and communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to plan and/or implement instructional activities. Ability to support teacher in providing modifications and/or accommodations as indicated on each student’s Individual Education Plan. Operate or learn to operate a variety of technology and equipment. Ability to cooperate and work as a member of a team. Physical ability to lift student if required by job assignment.

REPORTS TO:

JOB GOAL: To provide instructional and technical assistance to meet the specialized needs of students with disabilities.

SUPERVISES:

N/A

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Planning/Preparation

• Assist the teacher(s) in preparing materials, teaching aids, bulletin boards and equipment for direct instructional activity, including locating, copying, collating, distributing, and/or grouping materials supporting instructional activities planned by the teacher.
• Schedule space for specialized instructional programs and coordinate the arrangement of equipment, desks, tables, chairs and activity areas.
• Examine short- and long-term unit plans prepared by the teacher and anticipate the need for specific supplies and materials.
• Assist the teacher in preparing for modifications of the curriculum to align with the specific Individual Education Plan for a student(s) with disabilities.
• ?Confer with teacher on progress of students.
• Assist teaching in providing accommodations (identified on student’s IEPs) to students with disabilities.
• Provide students with line-of-sight supervision when necessary.
• Provide students with one-on-one support when needed.
• Serve as substitute teacher when necessary.
• Assist teacher in monitoring Individual Education Plan goals for students with disabilities.
• Assist in supporting, transporting, and assisting students with physical disabilities.

Administrative/Management

• Use time efficiently.
• Provide student supervision before, during, and after school while they are loading, riding, and unloading buses, on the playground, in the cafeteria, in a learning or practice situation, following appropriate training, as assigned.
• Assist in maintaining the security of records, materials, and equipment.
• Assist the teacher in the enforcement of classroom rules and the maintenance of appropriate records.
• Maintain a clean and orderly environment for students.
• Check objective tests and mark errors but not assign a grade.
• Escort or transport students to and from classrooms, clinic, cafeteria as required.

Assessment/Evaluation

• Assist in assessing student progress as directed, including proctoring the administration of tests, marking papers, monitoring goal attainment, and maintaining confidential records.
• Assist in evaluating program effectiveness; seek and suggest ways of continuous improvement.
• Assist, as assigned, in the collection of data from a variety of sources and in compiling and organizing data for review by the teacher, therapist, or Individual Education Plan Team.
• Assist the teacher in completing requirements for grade reporting, scheduling conferences, and recording results.

Intervention/Direct Services

• Provide instructional assistance as planned or coordinated by the teacher or administrator.
• Lead small group activity, following appropriate training, planned by the teacher in an atmosphere where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
• Use classroom management techniques conducive to an effective classroom environment.
• Perform assigned clerical and bookkeeping duties.
• Assist students with personal hygiene, health and safety issues, or grooming if required.
• Work closely with teacher(s) or other professionals to create a quality instructional environment.
• Meet and deal effectively with staff members, students, parents, administrators, and other contact persons using tact and good judgment.
• Exercise service orientation when working with others.
• Exhibit interpersonal skills to work as an effective team member.

Staff Development

• Maintain expertise in assigned area to fulfill position goals and objectives.
• Participate successfully in the training programs offered to increase skill and proficiency related to assignment.

Professional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
• Follow attendance, punctuality and other qualities of an appropriate work ethic.
• Ensure adherence to good safety standards.
• Model and maintain high ethical standards.
• Keep supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events.
• Use effective, positive interpersonal communication skills.
• Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
• Serve on school/district committees as required or appropriate.
• Follow federal and state laws as well as School Board policies, rules and regulations.
• Demonstrate support for the school district and its goals and priorities.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of all required reports and maintain all appropriate records.
• Demonstrate initiative in identifying potential problems or opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and school/workplace matters.
• Participate in cross-training activities as required.
• Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.

• Demonstrate initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
• Follow attendance, punctuality and other qualities of an appropriate work ethic.
• Ensure adherence to good safety standards.
• Model and maintain high ethical standards.
• Keep supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events.
• Use effective, positive interpersonal communication skills.
• Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
• Serve on school/district committees as required or appropriate.
• Follow federal and state laws as well as School Board policies, rules and regulations.
• Demonstrate support for the school district and its goals and priorities.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of all required reports and maintain all appropriate records.
• Demonstrate initiative in identifying potential problems or opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and school/workplace matters.
• Participate in cross-training activities as required.
• Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.

*Essential Performance Responsibilities

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force as needed to move objects.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the district’s approved compensation plan.Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the district.

COMPENSATION:

Compensation for this position is Pay Lane A05, B05

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.

Board Approved: April 23, 2024