Teacher Assistant - SPECIAL EDUCATION

Community High School District 218; Oak Lawn (IL); On-site; USD 26,876 - 28,144; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Paid leave

Job summary

Community High School District 218 in Oak Lawn, Illinois seeks a Teacher Assistant for Students with Special Needs to support teachers, prepare instructional materials, and assist with student progress and participation in inclusive classroom settings.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, 60 college hours or a BA, ISBE paraprofessional eligibility, and experience with students with disabilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 60 semester hours of college coursework or a baccalaureate degree.
• Eligibility for ISBE paraprofessional approval.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities in educational settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide integrated related services.
• Collaborate with teachers on student progress and needs.
• Develop and organize instructional materials.
• Assist small groups in review, reinforcement, enrichment and expansion of skills.
• Check assignments, monitor testing and makeup work.
• Assist with classroom duties and materials management.
• Participate in in-service training programs.
• Maintain classroom discipline and protect student information.
• Assist with self-care needs and mobility around school facilities.
• Support participation in special classes (Art, Music, PE).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Collaboration with teachers

Disability awareness

Classroom support

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

60 semester hours or BA

ISBE paraprofessional approval eligibility

Experience with disabilities in educational settings

Job description

Position Specification

POSITION TITLE: TEACHER ASSISTANT FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

CLASSIFIED POSITION

REPORTS TO: PRINCIPAL & FACILITATING TEACHER

Responsibilities

• Provide integrated related services
• Collaborate with the teacher(s) regarding the student's progress, interest levels and problem levels
• Develop, produce, organize and obtain appropriate instructional materials
• Work with individuals of small groups at the teacher's request in review, reinforcement, enrichment and/or expansion of skills and concepts presented.
• Check student assignments, monitor testing and makeup work, organize classwork and homework as assigned
• Assist teacher(s) in various tasks such as door duty, hall duty, recess duty, preparation of bulletin boards, ordering of audio-visual materials and the collection of lunch tickets
• Participate in in-service training programs
• Assist teacher(s) in maintaining classroom discipline and alert the teacher(s) to any problem or special information regarding an individual student
• Utilize confidential and personal information concerning students and staff for professional purposes only, and in accordance with district regulations
• Assist with self care needs of students as necessary
• Assist with student's mobility around school environments
• Provide any assistance needed for successful participation in special classes (Art, Music, PE, etc.)
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Performance will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 60 semester hours of college coursework, OR a baccalaureate degree, OR demonstrated competency via a state or locally-approved assessment (per ESSA paraprofessional requirements)
• Eligibility for or possession of a Paraprofessional approval through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities in a vocational, educational, or community-based setting

Preferred:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field
• Prior experience as a job coach, transition specialist, or paraprofessional in a school setting
• Familiarity with community-based instruction and supported employment models
• Valid Illinois driver's license

Compliance Language

All employees must adhere to district Board Policy, administrative procedures, and the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CHSD 218 Support Staff Agreement, I.E.A. Local 218). Employees in this role are subject to all relevant Illinois and federal laws governing the education and employment of individuals with disabilities, including IDEA, ADA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Mandated training requirements must be completed as directed.

Salary & Benefits

Salary placement is based on the CHSD 218 Support Staff Agreement (I.E.A. Local 218). The 2026-2027 hourly rate for Paraprofessionals is $19.51/hr (60 semester hours) or $20.43/hr (BA-level), based on 177 days 7.5 hours annually. Eligible for Board-provided employee benefits including health, dental, and life insurance, and paid leave, subject to contract provisions.

Apply online at CHSD218.org