SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHING ASSISTANT

Position: Special Education Teaching Assistant
Reports To: Special Education Teacher and/or Assigned School Administrator
Location: Valley View Elementary School
Employment Type: Part-Time. 2026-2027 school year only.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Education Teaching Assistant works under the direction of certified special education staff and school administrators to support students with disabilities in their academic, behavioral, social, physical, and self-help development. The Teaching Assistant assists with daily programming and provides support to students in accordance with their individual needs and assigned responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists certified or assigned staff members with all aspects of daily programming, including academic, social, behavioral, and self-help activities.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and sensitivity to students with disabilities and their individual needs.
• Provides assistance to students with physical, emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental needs.
• Assists students with activities of daily living, including restroom needs and diapering when necessary.
• Assists with positioning students and meeting physical needs under the direction of appropriate staff, such as physical therapists.
• Participates in physical activities that are part of the student's educational or therapeutic program.
• Assists with loading and unloading students who use wheelchairs or other adaptive equipment for transportation.
• Waits with students for transportation as assigned.
• Maintains flexibility in daily schedules and activities to meet student and program needs.
• Works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, related service providers, and other team members.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding students, families, staff, and all other aspects of school-related work.
• Follows established safety procedures and health and safety standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Basic grammar, punctuation, reading fluency, and reading comprehension.
• Age-appropriate activities and instructional practices.
• Health and safety standards.
• Basic concepts related to working with students with disabilities.

Skill in:

• Following safety practices and established procedures.
• Operating standard office and classroom equipment.
• Performing basic mathematical computations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Effectively communicating information to students in one-to-one and group settings.

Ability to:

• Work effectively with students who have emotional, physical, developmental, or other disabilities.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain composure and professionalism in stressful or challenging situations.
• Adapt to changing priorities, schedules, and student needs.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Apply common-sense understanding to carry out assigned responsibilities.
• Identify and address routine problems appropriately.
• Work effectively with frequent interruptions.
• Establish positive and supportive relationships with students.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position requires frequent standing and walking and some sitting. The usual and customary methods of performing the duties of this position require physical activity, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling.

• Approximately 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds with the assistance of another individual and/or adaptive equipment.
• Must be able to assist with the physical needs of students, including positioning, transferring, mobility, restroom assistance, and other personal care needs as assigned.
• May be required to participate in physical activities that are part of a student's educational, behavioral, or therapeutic program.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Special Education Teaching Assistant works under the direction of:

• Special Education Teachers
• Assigned School Administrators/Principals
• Special Education Administrative Staff
• Other assigned instructional and support personnel

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with children or individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• Ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Maintains strict confidentiality regarding students, families, educational records, medical information, and all other information obtained through employment with the school system.

The duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.