Assistant Teacher

Specialized Education Services•Braidwood, IL

17d

About The Position

Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, provides education services for K–12 students who need additional support to succeed in traditional school settings. SESI partners with school districts to operate in-district classrooms and standalone schools serving students with special and alternative education needs. The organization partners with more than 600 school districts and serves over 7,000 students. The Assistant Teacher collaborates with a teacher to provide individualized academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support. The role includes leading small-group instruction, reinforcing learning, monitoring behavior and student progress, communicating with parents, and helping students develop skills through SESI’s educational model. The position serves students from diverse backgrounds and may involve de-escalation, crisis management, and physical restraint when necessary to maintain safety.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
Ability to run short distances and move swiftly in response to student needs, including bending, kneeling, and crouching.
Ability to lift and assist students with mobility challenges, often handling 50 pounds or more.
Ability to perform fine motor tasks, such as helping students write, manipulate small objects, or use adaptive devices.
Ability to operate a computer or tablet for up to 8 hours daily.
Capacity to notice and respond to students’ non-verbal cues.
Capacity to remain calm during physically and emotionally demanding situations to ensure student safety and well-being.

Nice To Haves

College experience or a bachelor’s degree.
Experience working with students with special needs in an educational setting.

Responsibilities

Work with students from varying developmental, cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Lead small-group instruction using the SESI academic rotational model.
Partner with the teacher to provide customized behavioral and academic support and conduct formal and informal assessments.
Reinforce teacher-introduced materials and skills by assigning relevant tasks, using data to select appropriate materials, and conducting one-on-one tutorials.
Assist with large-group activities, grading, independent study and enrichment activities, and accommodations or modifications.
Use behavior support and intervention strategies.
Use de-escalation techniques, crisis management, and physical restraint when necessary to maintain student and staff safety.
Support the creation and implementation of daily plans.
Support, document, and track student progress toward academic, social, and emotional goals.
Supervise students and ensure they are monitored, including while moving to and from appropriate school locations.
Collaborate with teachers, other assistant teachers, and related service providers to address students’ needs.