SPED Self-Contained Teacher Assistant (Grades: K-6)

Assist a teacher in a self-contained classroom for students with special needs, preparing materials, maintaining a neat and orderly classroom, and providing support for students with physical disabilities. The role requires adapting to each student's unique needs, working with individual students or small groups, and maintaining confidentiality. The position involves working with diverse ethnic groups, demonstrating organizational and interpersonal skills, and communicating effectively in both oral and written form.

What You Will Do

Prepare instructional materials and classroom displays, assist with inventory and equipment maintenance, help with administrative records and reports, provide orientation to substitute teachers, assist students with physical disabilities, and help manage student behavior. You will also work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills, supervise students throughout the school day, and keep the teacher informed of special needs or problems.

Why It Might Be a Fit

This role requires a paraprofessional certificate, a high school diploma or equivalent, and one of the following: an associate degree, 48 college credit hours, or passing an academic assessment. You should have demonstrated knowledge of child growth and development, behavior characteristics, and the ability to work with people from diverse ethnic groups. Bilingual skills in English and Spanish are preferred.

Requirements

• Accredited Senior High School Diploma or equivalent (U.S.A. equivalency)
• Paraprofessional certificate from State Board of Certification
• Successful completion of a specific training program for teacher assistants or six months of knowledge and skills acquired through work experience
• Demonstrated general knowledge of child growth/development and behavior characteristics
• Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse ethnic groups
• Demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated initiative and a willingness to follow verbal and written instructions
• Demonstrated effective communication skills in both oral and written form
• Demonstrated ability to work with children with disabilities
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred