SPED-Classroom Assistant (2026-2027)

Florence School District 1•Florence, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The job of the Special Education Teaching Assistant was established for the purpose(s) of working with individual and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a certificated teacher in the supervision and instruction of students; assisting students by modeling the necessary skills to perform assignments; following educational and specific behavioral plans; modeling appropriate behaviors and interactions with students and staff; and assisting student by providing for special health care needs. Employees in this classification will receive a variety of assignments including classroom support, lunchroom, playground, etc.

Requirements

at least two years of study (60 semester hours) at an accredited institution of higher education
an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education
a qualifying score on a state-approved assessment that measures the individual’s knowledge of and ability to assist in instruction at the appropriate level
Thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the District as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Special Education Classroom Assistant
Knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and Florence 1 Schools
Knowledge of the characteristics of the age group assigned
Working with emotionally, physically and/or mentally impaired students
Maintaining confidentiality
Maintaining composure under stressful situations
Communicating with diverse groups
Adapting to changing work priorities
Working as part of a team
Applying common sense understanding to carry out instructions
Dealing with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations
Effectively presenting information in one-to-one and group situations to students
Working with frequent interruptions
Able to establish and maintain positive relationships and work effectively with adults and children
Able to supervise, guide and support students
Able to motivate students to participate in educational activities and to want to learn
Adhering to safety practices
Operating standard office equipment including using pertinent job related software applications
Basic mathematical skills (e.g. add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rate, ratio, and percent, draw and interpret graphs, etc.)
Ability to offer guidance and assistance to students, co-workers and employees of other departments as required
Ability to use independent judgment as needed in performing routine and non-routine tasks
Concepts of grammar and punctuation
Reading fluency and comprehension
Age appropriate activities
Health and safety standards
Able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision
Able to read and interpret lesson plans, instructions, student records and other materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job
Knows how to prepare graded papers, display materials, hand-outs, etc.
Comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department
Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation
Able to perform job tasks professionally in an environment where discrimination and other public issues are constant concerns
Able to make sound, educated decisions
Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations
Mathematical ability to handle required calculations
Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities
Good organizational, technical and human relations skills
Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency

Responsibilities

Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the classroom teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
Communicates with teachers and other district personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
Implements under the supervision of assigned teachers, instructional programs and lesson plans (e.g. reading, math, language comprehension, writing, computer, etc.) for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
Maintains classroom equipment and work area for the purpose of ensuring availability of a safe learning environment and/or meeting mandated requirements.
Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, assemblies, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
Promotes good study habits and student independence for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes.
Provides, under the supervision of the assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. self esteem, behavioral skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of implementing goals for remediation of student deficiencies and ensuring student’s success.
Documents student’s daily activities (e.g. behavior, completed assignments, on/off task times, etc.) for the purpose of completing daily logs and student’s hourly activities.
Implements under the supervision of the assigned teacher, behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
Models conversation, manners, clean up activities, listening, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
Monitors student’s daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g. class schedule, toileting, medication, appetite, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured students, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Assists the assigned staff member(s) in all aspects of daily programming including, but not necessarily limited to: social, academic, behavioral and self-help growth and development.
Assists in the direct supervision of children in the assigned program as directed by the teacher or administrator (e.g. bus loading, classroom assignments, lunch, recess, etc.)
Demonstrates understanding of students’ disabilities; keeps firm hand and is courteous and fair
Loads/unloads wheelchair bound students on the bus, and/or waits with students for transportation.
Participates in physical activities which are part of the students’ basic program.
Assists students in the restroom as necessary, and may have to change diapers.
Demonstrates flexibility in schedule and activities throughout the day.
Demonstrates cooperation, openness for growth and willingness to contribute in a team approach.
Communicates, collaborates, and cooperates with colleagues, supervisors, and students.
Maintain confidentiality regarding all aspects of his/her work with special education children and other staff.
Participates in all meetings, training programs, and in-service sessions as assigned by the building or district administrator.
Performs such other duties as may be directed by the building or district administrator.