Teacher Assistant(s) - Elementary

Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District•Exeter, RI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a paraprofessional work of an instructional and personal care nature in a classroom setting with individuals or small groups of students who have pronounced physical and/or emotional disabilities or are learning disabled. An employee in this class is responsible for assisting a teacher in carrying out a daily education program. Work involves the development of an effective personal relationship with children having special needs, which requires an unusual amount of patience, empathy and flexibility on the part of the assistant. Work requires assisting a teacher in various instructional duties and performing clerical duties according to established procedures which can be learned on the job. An employee is provided with specific instructions and is under the direct supervision of a classroom teacher or the Director of Special Services.

Requirements

Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with all students.
Knowledge of basic instructional methods and techniques, educational practices and procedures.
Knowledge of classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
Knowledge of basic child/adolescent developmental stages.
Ability to maintain confidentiality during work hours and outside of work hours.
Willingness to learn, use and navigate student devices or instructional tools as needed.
Ability to implement safety care techniques after appropriate training.
Interact with students in a developmentally appropriate, respectful, consistent and empathic manner.
Ability to prioritize the needs and requests of students and staff within the school setting and respond in a professional and efficient manner.
Ability to understand and implement oral and written instructions.
Ability to learn assigned duties readily and to adhere to prescribed classroom procedures.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Capable of working collegially with all levels of administration and staff.
Proficient with Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Meet the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) standards and indicators for ALL teacher assistants (see attached standards.)
Meet guidelines for a teacher assistant for specific job posting (see attached guidelines.)
High School Diploma or GED.
RIDE Teacher Assistant Certification required and pass the ParaPro exam or meet the requirements of an acceptable RIDE alternative.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with age specific children preferred.
Chauffeur’s license
Safety Care training
RIELDS training
Sign language

Responsibilities

Assists in the preparation of learning materials for use in the classroom.
Assist in maintaining safety of students in a classroom setting.
Assists the classroom teacher in addressing students’ academic needs.
Monitors behavior management plans developed for students and keeps accurate records in relation to such plans.
Provide instructional support to students individually and/or within small groups.
Implement accommodations and modifications needed to work with students who are medically fragile and/or physically challenged (such as lifting, self-help skills, positioning, and transferring as needed.)
Implement procedures, protocols and interventions that are unique to an individual student or classroom needs (such as positive behavioral supports, communication systems, physical transfers, toileting, self-help skills, visual supports, sensory diets, feeding protocols and crisis prevention/intervention techniques.)
Perform tasks required to assist students who have developmental, cognitive, learning, physical and/or social-emotional disabilities.
Assists on field trips when educationally necessary and approved.
Performs supervisory duties within the building such as recess, lunch, hallway monitoring, or bus supervision as assigned by the principal.
Remain actively engaged in the supervision and monitoring of students in all settings.
Maintain a safe environment at all times for students, staff, and themselves.
Notify building administration of any safety hazards in the playground, school grounds, or school building.
Maintains effective professional communication and collaboration with classroom teachers.
Assists the classroom teacher with reinforcement of curriculum in all core areas.
Demonstrates an understanding of and desire to work with the student(s) to whom they are assigned.
Promotes the attainment of the District’s Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan.
Follows all school district policies and procedures.
Complete all training or professional development required by the district.
Complete all required paperwork (i.e. Compuclaim) as required.
Perform other Teacher Assistant or job-related duties as required.