Job Title: Special Education Aide

Reports to: Principal and teacher(s)

Dept./School: Assigned Campus

Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt

Fund Source: Local

Date Revised: 08/23/2025

Primary Purpose: Help special education teachers provide for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in special education settings. Assist in the implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under the general supervision of the principal/assistant principal and the immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

High school diploma or GED

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to work with children with disabilities

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience:

Some experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support:

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

Student Management:

• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.
• Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Help manage the behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teachers informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

Other:

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Equipment Used:

Wheelchair lift, ramp, personal computer, copier, and audiovisual equipment.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students. Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.