Special Education Teaching Assistant

Urbana School District #116 • Urbana, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teaching Assistant supports students’ independence and learning under the direct supervision of the special education teacher and the broad supervision of the building principal. The role assists with lessons and individual or small-group instruction, adapts and accommodates academic programming in general education classes as directed by the special education teacher, and follows student-specific behavioral plans and classroom behavior-management plans.

The assistant helps maintain an orderly, supportive learning environment; models responsible, respectful, safe behavior and appropriate social interactions; maintains classroom routines when the teacher is absent; and monitors students throughout the school day and during activities off school property when requested. The position also includes recording academic and behavioral data, collaborating in assigned staff meetings, maintaining confidentiality, and providing individual student support that may include lifting, hygiene, medical needs, and restroom assistance. The assistant must use appropriate Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques when needed and obtain and maintain current certification.

Requirements

• Meet ISBE requirements for a Paraprofessional License: 60 hours of college credit or passing scores on Work Keys Basic Skills.
• Be highly organized.
• Have excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Be an excellent problem-solver.
• Be able to work with students with a history of behavioral or learning problems.
• Be able to work under pressure and prioritize multiple tasks.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of school-based experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in developing independence.
• Carry out lessons arranged by the teacher, including working with students individually or in small groups.
• Adapt and accommodate students’ academic programming in general education classes as developed by the special education teacher.
• Follow each student’s individual behavioral plan and the classroom behavior-management plan.
• Help maintain a functional, attractive, orderly environment conducive to learning.
• Assist with clerical tasks, computer work, arts and crafts preparation, playground supervision, housekeeping duties, and bus loading and unloading.
• Promote and model responsible, respectful, and safe behaviors.
• Promote and model appropriate social interactions with and between students.
• Maintain classroom routines when the teacher is not present.
• Provide programs for students off school property when requested, including activities such as field trips and vocational or aquatic center activities.
• Record and compile data used to monitor academic and behavioral programming.
• Participate in assigned staff team and collaboration meetings.
• Perform other duties assigned by the special education teacher relating to individual students or the classroom.
• Monitor student needs and behaviors during lunch, transitions between classes, and throughout the day.
• Report unusual student behaviors to the teacher or an administrator.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of student and family information.
• Use appropriate TCI techniques, including de-escalation strategies and therapeutic restraint methods, when students are in danger of harming themselves or others.
• Obtain certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training and maintain current certification.
• Provide for individual student needs, including lifting, hygiene, medical needs, and restroom assistance when necessary.

Benefits

• Salary and benefit information is available on the Human Resources webpage.
• Opportunities to earn additional compensation through stipends, differentials, and extra-duty pay during the regular school year and summer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree