Teacher Assistant (Sped) 2026-2027

Harrison; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Harrison County School District in Gulfport, MS seeks a Special Education Teacher Assistant to support students with disabilities. The role will work closely with classroom teachers to deliver individualized assistance, manage small groups, and help with instructional activities daily.

The position requires 2 years of college or an associate’s degree and completion of required workshops, with background checks and safety training. 184-day schedule with salary per the district schedule.

Qualifications

• Must have completed at least 2 years of study or an associate’s degree or meeting a rigorous standard as per state requirement.
• Criminal background check and child abuse registry clearance are required.
• Aptitude for working with young students and ability to participate in workshops.
• Strong professional demeanor and satisfactory employment history.

Responsibilities

• Assist teacher in providing individualized and diagnostic support to students.
• Support students with disabilities in recitation, reading, and curriculum tasks.
• Supervise small groups and assist with setting up learning centers.
• Operate classroom technologies and assist with record keeping.
• Follow confidentiality rules and coordinate with teachers for mainstreamed students.
• Assist with supervision in halls, playgrounds, and other areas as needed.
• Attend district-approved training, including restraint procedures when necessary.

Skills

Aptitude for working with students

Pleasant personality

Professional demeanor

Good employment record

Ability to restrain students (crisis)

Team collaboration

Education

48 semester hours

Associate’s degree

Mississippi Work Keys (Reading/Math/Writing)

Job description

Please carefully review the job posting information below.

Posting Name

Teacher Assistant (Sped) 2026-2027

Location

33 North Gulfport Elem/Middle

Posting Begin Date

09/25/2026

Posting End Date

N/A

Full Time

Yes

Job Category

Non-Certified Application

Schedule

184 Days

N/A

Licensed Position

No

Description

Special Education Teacher Assistant

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have completed at least 2 years of study forty-eight (48) semester hours, at an institution of higher education; or obtained an associate’s degree; or met a rigorous standard of quality as determined by a formal assessment, (Mississippi Test: ACT Work Keys – Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics and Writing Subtests).
• In accordance with Mississippi Code S37-9-17, all personnel employed by the public-school system shall be required to pass a criminal background check and a current child abuse registry check.
• Demonstrate aptitude for, and interest in, working with young students.
• Attend teacher assistant workshop(s).
• Pleasing personality, professional demeanor.
• A satisfactory employment record

REPORTS TO

Building Principal, Assistant Principal, Certified Teacher, and Special Services Director.

JOB GOAL

To work closely with students with disabilities on a regular basis in an effort to provide them with the physical and emotional support they need to gain the full benefits from the special education program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Hear the students in recitation, reading, and other curriculum tasks, guiding and helping them but not teaching them.
• Assist the teacher in providing an individualized and diagnostic approach to teach.
• Provide assistance to the individual needs of students while the teacher is working with other groups of students.
• Supervise small group activities.
• Arrange displays and assist in setting up interest corners under the teacher’s directions.
• Assist absentees to make up work.
• Assist the teacher by operating various technologies in the classroom.
• Assist the regular program teachers with the special educations students who are mainstreamed into regular classes.
• Assist in the general supervision of students in halls, restrooms, playgrounds, or any other area of the school campus. This may include diaper changing and/or toileting.
• Promote parents/community involvement in the instructional program.
• Assist teacher in activities assigned by and under the direction of the teacher.
• Assist substitute teachers.
• Assist with record keeping.
• Abide by confidentiality regulations.
• Clear all parent communication through classroom teacher(s).
• Must be capable of physically restraining students in the event of a crisis situation.
• Must attend school district approved/provided restraint training yearly.
• Performs other duties as assigned by administrators.
• Students may run, hit, bite, scratch, kick, and may become aggressive at times.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent of Education, Assistant Superintendent of Education, and Directors of Curriculum and Federal Programs.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

EQUIPMENT

Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copier and fax machines, calculator and telephone.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Travel to school district buildings, and professional meetings as required.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS

Works in standard office and school building environments.

Note : Also see the Checklist of Duties for the Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

184-days annually with salary in accordance with the Administrative Salary Schedule as approved by the Harrison County School District.

EVALUATION

Performance of the Special Education Teacher Assistant will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions in the School Board Policies and Procedures.

FLSA STATUS:Not Exempt

Revision Date: 04/24/2023

School Board Approval Date:

By signing below the applicant/employee acknowledges reading and understanding the requirements of the Harrison County School District Job Description.

Applicant/Employee Signature: _____________________________________Date: ________________

Supervisor Signature: ____________________________________________Date:__________________