Ex Ed Educational Assistant

Hamilton County Schools•Chattanooga, TN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Hamilton County Schools seeks an Ex Ed Educational Assistant to provide teaching support and services under the direction of a licensed special education teacher. The role supports implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities in general or special education classrooms, one-on-one or in small groups, and through other specialized services as needed. The position is at The Howard School, a grades 9–12 school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, whose approach emphasizes teamwork and supporting students’ academic and emotional development. The assistant helps prepare and adapt instruction, monitor student development and performance, maintain student safety, and provide physical and communication assistance according to individual student needs and IEPs. The role also includes responding to behavioral challenges, supporting classroom activities and community-based learning, completing related clerical work, and collaborating with teachers, families, school staff, and other stakeholders. Salary is based on relevant education and experience and follows Grade C salary scale.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Basic technology skills.
General office or clerical experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge and skills to support the PreK–12 general curriculum.
Before reporting to work, meet one of these requirements: 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours; an associate degree or higher; or a passing score on the PRAXIS for Parapro Exam.
Ability to learn and implement a variety of teaching strategies.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with students who have a variety of disabilities.
Training in, or willingness to be trained in, nonviolent crisis intervention techniques.
Competence using verbal and nonverbal techniques to prevent or de-escalate acting-out behavior.
Ability and willingness to use consistent assertive communication, including statements of empathy, identification of conflict behavior, and a rectifying statement.
Ability to maintain a group during emergencies or when a teacher is away.
Willingness to be trained as needed and maintain certification in nonviolent positive behavioral interventions and support methods.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working with students with disabilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide educational assistance to students with disabilities and support implementation of their IEPs under the direction of a licensed special education teacher.
Assist in preparing, modifying, and using instructional materials to meet individual student needs.
Assist with IEP development and implementation, data collection, and progress monitoring of students’ physical, communication, social/emotional, educational, and skill development.
Use special education strategies and techniques to address students’ academic needs.
Provide physical assistance as required by individual student needs and IEPs, including toileting, positioning, lifting, carrying, feeding, and personal hygiene.
Oversee, monitor, or cover classes during a teacher’s short-term absence.
Assist teachers and students during class activities and support instructional and assistive technology.
Follow established procedures to ensure student safety and keep assigned areas safe.
Respond appropriately to inappropriate or aggressive behavior; use trained nonviolent positive behavioral intervention and support methods, including physical restraint when appropriate.
Assist students and model appropriate social and professional behaviors during community experiences or work-based learning.
Chaperone students on field trips during the regular school day.
Perform clerical tasks supporting teaching activities, office operations, and other school functions.
Use reading, handwriting, numeracy, oral and written communication, equipment, and technology to support teacher responsibilities and compliance with IDEA and student IEPs.
Use basic sign language, communication facilitation, and Brailing skills as needed.
Communicate with supervisors, school officials, teachers, students, parents, vendors, community members, and others to coordinate activities under administrative or special education direction.
Attend staff, parent, IEP-Team, and other required meetings.
Work collaboratively with supervisors, administrators, employees, students, and other stakeholders.
Attend work regularly and arrive on time.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee law.
Perform other duties as assigned.