Bedford Public Schools
Invites applications for the position of:
Teaching Assistant

Description:

The role of the Special Education Teaching Assistant is to support the implementation of the Individual Education Program for students with disabilities throughout the school environment, including general education and special education settings. The Special Education Teaching Assistant will provide instructional, social-emotional, and behavioral support needed for the student's progress toward Individual Education Program goals under the direction of a certified teacher.

Responsibilities:

Assist with specific student supports, either as an individual or small group, with guidance from teaching staff in the implementation of IEP goals and benchmarks and related behavior plans.

Implement targeted individual and/or small group instruction of content and skills as directed by the general education classroom teacher and/or special education liaison.

Monitor and maintain accurate data and records through progress monitoring of IEP goals and individual support plans and share the information with the special education liaison. 

Provide student support services in all environments of the school setting under the guidance of special education liaison, related service providers, BCBA, and building principal (classroom, recess, lunch, bus transition, arrival).

Consult with general education teachers in preparation for daily classes to become familiar with the learning targets, success criteria, and other classroom expectations. 

Support academic programs (reteaching, reinforcing, reviewing, assessing, scribing, note-taking, data collection); and behavioral programs (data collection, cueing, providing motor breaks, implement behavior plans).

Provide regular feedback to the Special Education Liaison on the progress and challenges experienced by assigned students in addressing their IEP goals.

Work in conjunction with the classroom teacher to support learning experiences in the classroom, focusing first on the identified students with IEPs and then for the broader group of students. The goal is to be actively engaged in the learning environment, providing support for learners. 

Implementation of behavior intervention plans and social skill facilitation across various school settings. 

To provide crisis intervention, as needed, but not limited to verbal de-escalation/processing of events with students and staff, and the application of physical intervention methods to reduce risk of injury to students or staff. 

Adapt to varying needs of students with special education services.

Perform other job-related tasks or duties at the discretion of the Special Education Program Administrator, Director of Special Education, and/or Principal.

Must possess the ability to:

Integrate into the classroom setting when appropriate, working under the classroom teacher and/or special education liaison to support student engagement.

Adapt and acquire new skills and knowledge and use them consistently to support student engagement with learning activities, behavior interventions, social interactions, and the school day.

Maintain flexibility in day-to-day priorities set to reflect changing student needs.

Work in multiple classrooms or environments during the school day.

Maintain the high level of confidentiality and professionalism expected of the teaching staff.

Specialty Area:

Ability to collaborate and participate as a member of a teaching team.

Demonstrates an ability to work with diverse learning styles.

Passion for working with children/students.

Knowledge of child growth and development. 

Knowledge of basic learning strategies

Knowledge of proper de-escalation strategies and restraints protocols.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Able to move with students from one school environment to another.

Physical agility and strength, with proper safety protocols.

Additional Information:

Associates Degree in Psychology, Education or related area

Demonstrated aptitude for work to be performed

Salary/Benefits:

In accordance with the Bedford Educational Assistant/Teaching Assistant Contract