TEACHING ASSISTANTS - Special Education

TITLE: Teaching Assistant - Special Education

REPORTS TO AND IS EVALUATED BY:  Supervisor of Special Education; Building Principal; Director of Pupil Services

AVAILABLE:  August 2026

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Full-Time Bargaining Unit Position; 10-Month Work Year/Student Days; Non-Exempt. 60-day probationary period applies for performance and benefits. Hourly rate of pay in accordance with PESPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

DESCRIPTION:  Pennridge School District seeks dedicated and compassionate individuals to provide direct support to students with physical, behavioral, academic, emotional, and/or medical needs.  This position involves working closely with students in a variety of educational support programs, including Autism Support, Life Skills Support, Learning Support, and Emotional Support classrooms. The successful candidate will assist students in achieving their educational goals, fostering independence, promoting positive behaviors, and supporting their social-emotional growth within the school environment.

PRINCIPAL FUNCTION:  Assist student with meeting academic and/or behavioral goals. Assist student with any supports/modifications needed to access facilities and curriculum, including physical support and adapting teaching materials.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs tasks assigned by teacher and supervisor.
2. Collaborate with classroom teacher to adapt classroom materials as necessary to support the educational program.
3. Observe and record student data as required and share this information with appropriate staff as determined by the Individualized Education Program (“IEP”).
4. Assist in implementing positive behavior support(s) for students when necessary including fire drills.
5. Assist in technology applications for student(s).
6. Assist in the physical, self-care and self-help needs of student(s) when required.
7. Escort student(s) as needed.
8. Assist professional staff in emergency situations as necessary.
9. Demonstrate flexibility in the carrying out of duties.
10. Demonstrate student confidentiality in all aspects of the position.
11. Provides individual and small group instructional assistance to children as directed by  the teacher or supervisor.
12. Assists in the supervision of students.
13. Utilization of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) techniques/strategies (including possible restraint as a last resort) with students who require such in their IEP. Training will be provided via Pennridge School District.
14. Communicate regularly with teachers, administrators, and other support staff regarding students’ progress and challenges.
15. Refrains from inappropriately discussing matters involving students and co-workers.
16. Performs other duties as directed by teachers or supervisors.
17. Read and become knowledgeable with your individual school building’s faculty handbook.
18. Assume other duties as assigned by Supervisor of Special Education, Building Principal and/or Director of Student Services.

 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Pennsylvania State Credential of Competency.
2. 2-year Associate Degree, 4-year degree preferred.

 QUALIFICATIONS/REQUISITE SKILLS:

1. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate effectively with student(s) with a wide range of specific learning, physical and emotional disabilities.
2. Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment in working closely with the assigned student(s).
3. Ability to understand and follow directions and to implement instructional strategies under the supervision of a teacher.
4. Must be able to maneuver around a classroom and building
5. Must be able to lift at least 35 pounds.
6. Understanding of and commitment to confidentiality.
7. Any additional or alternative qualifications as deemed appropriate by the Board of School Directors.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Clearances must be done within 12 months and TB must be done withing 90 days of hire.

• PA State Police Clearance (Act 34)
• Child Abuse Clearance (Act 151)
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Act 114)
• School Personnel Health Form (Physical and TB test)
• PDE 6004 Form (Act 24)
• Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release Form(s) (Act 168)

ADA COMPLIANCE:                           

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions of this position.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Choose one of the following.)

SEDENTARY   LIGHT WORK   X MEDIUM WORK   HEAVY WORK   VERY HEAVY WORK

SEDENTARY:  involves sitting most of the time.  The incumbent should be able to exert up to 10 lbs of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects.

LIGHT WORK:  If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the individual sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.  The incumbent should be able to exert up to 20 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

MEDIUM WORK:  The incumbent should be able to exert up to 50 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 35 lbs of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs of force constantly to move objects.

HEAVY WORK:  The incumbent should be able to exert up to 75 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs of force constantly to move objects.

VERY HEAVY WORK:  The incumbent should be able to exert in excess of 100 lbs of force occasionally, and in excess of 50 lbs of force frequently, and in excess of 20 lbs of force constantly to move objects.

PROCEDURE: Interested candidates applying for the above position should submit an online
application.

EOE