Special Education Teaching Assistant

Newton Public Schools•Newton, MA

About The Position

The Special Education Teaching Assistant provides a variety of generalized support services to students and schools. The role assists the classroom teacher in including students in all aspects of the school day and supports academic, social, behavioral, and adapted living skills programming developed by the team. The position also involves data collection, communication with families as directed, maintaining confidentiality, and contributing to general school supervision and duties. The assistant may provide substitute educator services and attend position-related training.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or a minimum of 48 college credit hours; classes in education, special education, psychology, or a related field are preferred.
Successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment may substitute for the educational requirements.
Written language, technology, and interpersonal communication skills 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

Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, psychology, or another related field.
Childcare experience or experience working with children in a daycare, school, or recreation setting, or with young adults in a school or recreation setting.
Classes in education, special education, psychology, or related fields.

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 about personal information regarding the student, programming, and family.
Assist in all aspects of the school day, including supervision at recess, lunch, or other duties, whether or not those aspects 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.