POSITION TITLE:  Special Education Instructional Aide Functional Academics

EXEMPTION STATUS: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Principal

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  10 months, 2024-2025 school year

HOURLY SALARY RANGE:  Minimum $13.18, Midpoint $16.48, Maximum $19.78

Primary Purpose:

Assist teacher(s) in providing for the learning, physical, social and emotional needs of students with disabilities in the special education and/or general education setting.  Assist in the implementation of classroom programs for learning, self-help and behavior management. Work under the general supervision of the principal and direction of teacher(s).

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

Associate Degree, two years of study at an institute of higher learning, or meet formal academic assessment

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills

Ability to work well with children with disabilities

Ability to assist with classroom instruction

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support

• Assist teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom and learning environment.
• Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Assist teacher in maintaining administrative records and preparing reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers, as needed.

Student Management

• Assist students with disabilities according to individual needs, including transferring to and from wheelchair, lifting, positioning, signing, and other needs as assigned.
• Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene.
• Help manage behavior of students, including intervening in crisis situations and restraining dangerous student behavior as needed.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional need.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
• Assist in supervising students throughout the day; inside and outside the classroom; in the cafeteria, in the hallway, at the drop-off/pick-up line and bus stop, on the bus, on the playground, on field trips; before and after school hours when in the school’s care; and at other times and locations as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Professional Growth and Development

• Maintain familiarity with district initiatives to better serve the needs of students.
• Participate in professional learning, staff meetings, and special events as assigned.

Communication

• Communicate to the teacher all problems, concerns and special needs related to students.
• Communicate effectively with students, teachers, supervisors, other staff, volunteers and parents.
• Articulate the district’s mission and goals to the community and solicit community support.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environment Factors

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office and classroom equipment, computer, peripherals, other devices
• Posture: Prolonged sitting/standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions, keyboarding, use of mouse, wrist flexion/extension
• Lifting: Lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds without assistance, 30-55 pounds with assistance, and more than 55 pounds with appropriate assistance; lifting and repositioning students
• Environment: Work is performed on campus, indoors and outdoors; biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress, work with frequent interruptions