Educational Associate - Functional Academics Classroom (Anticipated)
About The Position
The Educational Associate supports the special education teacher in meeting the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting. The role assists with classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction. The associate works under the general supervision of the principal and the immediate direction of the certified teacher. The position involves assisting students with physical disabilities and personal care needs, supporting instruction individually or in small groups, helping maintain classroom materials and records, and supervising students throughout the school day. The associate is expected to respond to students’ individual medical, physical, communicative, emotional, and behavioral needs; maintain confidentiality; and participate in staff development, faculty meetings, and assigned special events. The role has no supervisory responsibility.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Valid Texas educational aide certificate.
- Must successfully pass the MISD paraprofessional test.
- Ability to work with children with disabilities.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Knowledge of general office equipment.
- Ability to maintain emotional control under stress and work with frequent interruptions.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of lifting and carrying 15–44 pounds, sitting, standing, bending or stooping, kneeling, pushing or pulling, repetitive hand motions, keyboarding or mouse use, speaking clearly, and hearing.
Responsibilities
- Help the teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
- Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom and assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
- Help the teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
- Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
- Assist students with physical disabilities, including transferring them to and from wheelchairs, lifting, and positioning them as needed.
- Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
- Help manage student behavior, including intervening in crises and restraining disruptive or dangerous behavior as needed.
- Learn and adapt 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, including in the classroom, lunchroom, on the bus, and on the playground.
- Keep the teacher informed of individual students’ special needs or problems.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
- Complete assigned work neatly and accurately.
- Maintain professional interactions with staff, parents, community members, and visitors; remain calm under pressure; adapt to changing routines and situations; show respect and courtesy; and assist coworkers willingly.
- Perform other duties assigned by the principal or other administrative staff that are consistent with the position’s general requirements and qualifications.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
