JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: ASSISTANT TEACHER: SPECIALIZED PROGRAM

Reports to: Administrative Staff

FLSA Status: Contract/ NonExempt Status

Prepared Date: 7/24/17

Approved By: Executive Director

Summary

The Assistant Teacher is an adult who works under the direct supervision of the Lead Teacher. Assistant teachers can work independently in the Lead Teacher’s absence, but the majority of the time the Assistant Teacher works directly with the Lead Teacher in the same space with the same children. Another key role of the Assistant Teacher is to assist the Lead Teacher in providing a warm, nurturing, safe and loving environment which is educationally sound in developmental practices. 

This position reports directly to the Lead Teacher in the age group designated
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Assist the teacher in maintaining consistent school wide practices and individualized methods to engage students in the classroom
• Assist the teacher to effectively manage the classroom and individual student behavior to maintain a good learning environment
• Interact with the children in a positive, developmentally appropriate way, treating children with dignity and respect
• Is prepared to provide consistency in the classroom if necessary by substituting in the absence of the teacher
• Assist the teacher in implementing the lessons based on curriculum
• Assist the teacher in maintaining all records and files
• Prepare materials needed for the classroom and maintain cleaning schedule
• Work cooperatively with intervention specialists to modify the general education curricular as necessary, and assisting the student with regular class activities
• Maintain good communication with the parents, deferring to the Lead Teacher in developmental information
• Maintain the cleanliness of the classroom and common areas used on a daily basis, including vacuuming, mopping, disinfecting and cleaning materials and equipment used, disposal of trash, and any other cleaning aspects to maintain a high standard of care
• Work cooperatively with others to exchange ideas, attend staff meetings, and follow Lead Teacher guidance
• Complete necessary reports and record keeping as required by state and local policies and procedures. 
• Manage and orders materials that are necessary for performing job functions
• Participate in professional growth activities through staff development, in-service,

workshops, and higher education to obtain the professional development hours for Ohio Job and Family Service Licensing

• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Staff.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education and Experience

• A minimum of an Associate’s Degree
• Experience with Special Needs Students in an educational setting 
• Current Educational Aide Permit with Ohio Department of Education, or current qualifications to apply 

Key Competencies

• Shows the ability to create and maintain a safe, orderly environment that is conducive to learning
• Great arbitration and organizational skills are also necessary for satisfactory performance.
• Demonstrates a patience for working with students who may have serious learning disabilities
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace
• Maintain the professional licensing as dictated for specific positions under state agencies
• High comfort level working in a diverse environment
• Ability to follow instructions, respond to management direction, take responsibility for own actions, keep commitments. Commits to extended hours of work when necessary, completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan
• Observes safety and security procedures. Determines appropriate actions beyond guidelines. Reports unsafe conditions, uses equipment and materials properly. 
• Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent. Arrives at meetings and appointments on time. Understands that the need to work extended or after hours may be necessary at times, which can be compensated with overtime or comp time. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Ability to regularly sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. Required to stand for periods of time, walk, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste and smell.
   

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.