Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical and clerical tasks in assisting a teacher of students with disabilities. Employee may perform a wide range of tasks in order to support the efforts of the teacher, meet the needs of all students, and ensure the provision of quality instruction for all students. Employee provides individual assistance with academics, functional skills, and behavior, and may lead small group activities. Employee assists teacher with general housekeeping and clerical duties.
Assists teacher with executing instruction and evaluating its effectiveness.
Interacts with students in an age-appropriate manner that demonstrates an appropriate understanding of each student's individual needs, abilities, and disabilities.
Maintains confidentiality of all student information.
Constantly monitors the safety and well-being of students; monitors student attitudes and encourages self-esteem; assists students with becoming increasingly independent.
Monitors student behavior and helps maintain discipline in the classroom; assists with crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques with students as needed.
Assists students with learning; reinforces and clarifies instructions; conducts short sessions on improving specific skills providing individual assistance as needed.
Uses various assistive technology equipment and augmentative communication devices to assist students with school-related activities (as needed).
Carries out all physical care routines for students as indicated on their Individual Education Plan (IEPs) and/or Health Plans, including but not limited to, personal hygiene, feeding needs, and administration of medication, etc.
Assists students with daily living skills (i.e. toileting, feeding, diaper change, etc.).
Performs general housekeeping duties in maintaining an orderly classroom; performs repair and maintenance tasks related to school equipment.
Performs various clerical duties as needed, maintains records of student progress; develops and files incident reports; grades student papers and scores tests; checks daily attendance; makes copies; develops classroom display and instructional materials; maintains and operates audiovisual equipment; orders supplies; maintains class files, etc.
Participates in staff development as directed.
Minimum Training and Experience
Teacher assistants must hold one of the following qualifications:
- A 2-year degree;
- A minimum of 48 semester hours of college coursework; or
- A WorkKeys assessment in reading, writing, and math with a bronze passing score (Level 3).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
General knowledge of activities performed by teacher.
General knowledge of daily routines of the classroom.
General knowledge of procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.
General knowledge of methods of adapting instruction, equipment, and tools for children with special needs.
General knowledge of the principles of organization and administration.
Some knowledge of the curriculum for the grade.
Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well-being of students, particularly when student is participating in an inclusive activity.
Ability to motivate students.
Ability to maintain a clean and orderly environment.
Ability to perform general clerical duties.
Ability to maintain safety and discipline in a classroom.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.