Special Education Instructional Assistant

Summary:

An Instructional Assistant for Special Education is responsible for instructional, administrative, and human support in assisting the classroom teacher in the management and instruction of students.  The instructional assistant performs related tasks as required and directed and is under the supervision of the classroom teacher.  The instructional assistant may independently perform some aspects of the instructional program and share results and data with the teacher.

Essential Functions:

• Follow and conduct the instructional plans as designated by the classroom teacher and if appropriate, the Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Assist students individually and in groups to present or reinforce learning concepts
• Administer tests, homework assignments, and make-up work as directed by the teacher
• Develop and maintain a pleasant and orderly classroom environment (e.g., maintain instructional materials, design bulletin boards, assist special education teacher and/or students in clean-up activities, etc)
• Assist teacher in maintaining an appropriate level of classroom behavior and control
• Assign appropriate discipline to students if directed by the teacher
• Assist teacher in related instructional activities (e.g., field trips, library, assembly, etc.) to identify needed support, reinforcement of behavior, social skills, to create a safe and positive learning environment
• Assist in physical movement of students from one learning environment to another
• Perform such duties as attendance recording and collect of lunch monies as directed by the teacher
• Perform such clerical duties as typing, filing, and duplicating at the direction of the teacher
• Supervise students in the cafeteria or during the lunch period
• Supervise students during free time and other non-instructional periods as directed by the teacher
• Assist in the maintenance of students’ records if directed by the teacher
• Participate in team meetings
• Assist with toileting, feeding, and positioning of students
• Assist with health-related duties as directed by the teacher and trained to effectively complete the duties.  These could include catheterization, gastrointestinal feedings, assistive breathing devices, colostomy and ileostomy needs or any other health service required for the student to participate in the program
• Assist with carry-over of related services including Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

Understand and assist with basic language arts and math skills; excellent written and oral communication; skills to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions; operate standard office equipment, prepare and maintain accurate records; knowledge of school policies and procedures; understanding of effective discipline procedures; ability to follow directions from the classroom teacher; knowledge of age/ability appropriate activities; concepts of grammar and punctuation; safety practices and procedures; develop effective working relationships with students, parents, and staff; flexibility to be able to change processes quickly based on current situations; ability to communicate with diverse groups; problem-solving is needed to identify issues and help develop action plans; maintain confidentiality; ability to work as part of a team; ability to develop and maintain an empathetic attitude toward students with disabilities; willing to learn specialized instructional techniques employed for students with disabilities; 

Education and/or Experience:

An instructional assistant must have completed at least 60 hours of college credit or earned an associate’s or higher degree or successfully passed the ParaPro Assessment.

Physical Conditions and Nature of Work:

Duties performed typically in school settings include:  classroom, gym, cafeteria, auditorium, and recreational areas.  Occasional travel with students on field trips may be necessary. The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:  occasional lifting of equipment up to 40 pounds, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; significant fine finer dexterity.  Generally, the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing.    Occasional attendance at parent conferences, building-level, and division-wide meetings and training activities beyond the normal assigned hours are necessary. Daily person close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required.  Regular contact with other staff members, parents, and medical professionals may be required.  

Evaluation:

The Instructional Assistant is evaluated by the classroom teacher and Principal.