Elementary Special Education (EC) Teacher Assistant

Maureen Joy Charter School•Durham, NC

2d•$32,000 - $35,000•Onsite

About The Position

Maureen Joy Charter School is seeking a dedicated, joyful, and compassionate Exceptional Children’s Teacher Assistant who is committed to strengthening the educational experience of students with unique needs. This role is critical for creating an inclusive and adaptive learning environment that supports every student’s unique abilities and goals. The ideal candidate is a passionate educator with a deep commitment to special education, adept at implementing IEPs and collecting data on student progress. They should be a team player, eager to collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to integrate and optimize learning strategies, accommodations, and modifications. The school seeks educators committed to anti-racist principles, representing the diverse identities and backgrounds of the school community, and embodying learner aims of being critically conscious, agile, collaborative, and creative. The candidate should also be coachable and eager to receive and act on constructive feedback.

Requirements

Associate's Degree (Bachelor's Degree preferred)
Experience with supporting students with unique academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
An understanding of the diverse educational, social, and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with staff, parents, and students.
Excellent organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

A proven track record of fostering significant academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth in students with special needs.
Experience working with students with autism spectrum disorders and utilizing visual and other supports for communication, behavior, and social interaction.
Knowledge and experience with positive behavior support, applied behavior analysis, and deescalation techniques.
Experience with including students with disabilities in the general education setting.
Strong analytical skills to evaluate student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.

Responsibilities

Given the direction of an EC Teacher, support individual or small groups of students by implementing services according to student IEPs, and measure progress toward set goals and objectives.
Provide direct support to students, which may include academic and social-emotional skills, as well as activities of daily living such as eating, using the bathroom, and utilizing classroom materials.
Implement behavior intervention plans and collect observational data to track progress.
Conduct frequent progress monitoring through formal and informal assessments, data collection, and student work products.
Collaborate frequently with EC, ML, related services, and general education teammates to effectively meet students’ needs, including implementing necessary accommodations and/or modifications.
Ensure clean, safe, and effective learning environments through the implementation of daily routines and classroom management techniques.
Assist in various school duties, including arrival, lunch, dismissal, and recess as needed.
Attend and participate in faculty meetings and professional development sessions.
Engage in continuous professional growth to improve teaching and learning.
Ensure compliance with school policies and regulatory requirements.
Participate in weekly coaching sessions with Elementary EC Coordinator.
Collaborate with EC Teacher in developing student IEPs and quarterly IEP progress reports.
Demonstrates emotional intelligence when working with students and colleagues.
Participation in extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, or after-school tutoring is encouraged.
Flexibility to take on auxiliary roles within the school as needed to support overall student engagement and success.