Special Education Associate (Middle)

TITLE: Special Education Associate - Middle School

REPORTS TO: Building Principal 

Position Purpose

Under the supervision of the building principal, the Special Education Associate supports certified staff by working directly with students to help them access instruction, achieve learning goals, and develop independence.

Essential Functions

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests, and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies, distributes and uses educational materials as needed.
• Assists the teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in the IEP process and serves as a resource for the student evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids, and other supplies and equipment, and maintains inventory records. 

Additional Duties

• Assist guidance, student support staff, or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Travel Requirements

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Google Suite, etc.).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Qualifications Profile

• Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.
• Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Para educator license preferred
  • Prior experience working with special needs children is desirable.

FLSA Status:    Non-Exempt

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job skills and functions, subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.