Special Education Teaching Assistant

Newton Public Schools•Newton, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teaching Assistant provides generalized support services to students and schools. Working with the classroom teacher and school team, the assistant supports students’ participation in the school day, carries out academic, social, behavioral, and IEP-related strategies, assists with data collection, and supports adapted living skills as needed. The role also includes general school duties, such as supervision, and may include substitute educator services and job-related training. Consistent, reliable, and punctual attendance is essential.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or a minimum of 48 college credit hours; successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment may substitute for the educational requirements.
Written language, technology, and interpersonal communication skills needed to support communication among team members, community contacts, school staff, and parents.
Ability to operate a computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and other standard office equipment.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
Sufficient mobility to navigate within a large or small school building.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Classes in education, special education, psychology, or a related field are preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, psychology, or another related field preferred.
Experience in childcare, daycare, a school setting, or a recreation setting working with children or young adults.

Responsibilities

Assist the classroom teacher in including the student in all aspects of the school day.
Implement academic and social programming and strategies developed by the team.
Implement accommodations and modifications outlined in the IEP and developed by the team.
Implement behavior plans developed by the team.
Assist with data collection.
Promote social interactions throughout the day.
Support students with adapted living skills, such as toileting, feeding, and dressing, as needed.
Communicate regularly with the family or as directed by the school team.
Maintain confidentiality regarding personal information about the student, programming, and family.
Assist with all aspects of the school day, including supervision at recess, lunch, or other duties, whether or not they directly pertain to the individual student.
May provide substitute educator services.
May attend trainings related to the position.
Maintain consistent, reliable, and punctual attendance for student supervision and instruction.
Perform other job-related duties as needed.