SUMMARY:  Assists Special Education (SPED) teachers on a substitute basis by working individually with, or providing small group instruction to Special Education students and by providing related assistance to SPED teachers in the classroom.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with small groups or one-on-one with students to help ensure understanding of the lesson and reinforce material introduced by the teacher, under the supervision of the classroom SPED teacher and in accordance with student IEP’s
• May be responsible for the toileting and feeding needs of some students
• Assists teachers in providing an effective learning environment
• Provides positive reinforcement for students
• Maintains vigilance to signs of child abuse or neglect
• Supports the teacher in maintaining classroom control
• Assists in special class presentations, field trips and activities as requested
• Assists with evaluating and testing students individually when requested
• Handles routine clerical work as assigned
• Supervises students outside of the classroom where requested
• Assists the teacher during instruction and evaluation of student work
• Helps with testing of students
• Assists teacher in checking notebooks, grading and/or correcting papers and supervising make-up work
• Assists teacher with administrative and/or non-instructional activities
• Models good manners and sets a good example for assigned students
• Performs such housekeeping and related classroom duties as assigned by teacher(s) or as needed in the classroom
• Calls to teacher’s or administrator’s attention any problems relating to assigned students
• Supports all district and school rules, regulations and policies

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to perform activities involving moderate physical strength, including but not limited to, lifting students and providing assistance with mobility or transportation needs
• Ability to effectively use safety equipment such as support belt required for lifting
• Ability to work effectively with Special Education students and establish a rapport
• Ability to effectively use classroom equipment and teaching aids
• Knowledge of computer systems and word processing functions
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as procedure manuals and instructional materials
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations
• Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with staff, students, parents and community members
• Knowledge of applicable Federal and State laws, district procedures and Board policies
• Ability to handle confrontation and conflict without an emotional response

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Associate’s degree or sixty college credit hours or successful completion of Paraprofessional test in accordance with No Child Left Behind requirements
• Prior work and/or volunteer experience supervising students in a classroom setting preferred
• Bilingual ability in Spanish and English preferred
  • Any equivalent combination of training, education and experience that meets minimum requirements