Teacher Assistant: Special Education - Nantucket Elementary

Anne Arundel County Public Schools•Crofton, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is in a Regional Resource Room setting. Under the direction of the classroom teacher and/or service provider, the Teacher Assistant supports the instructional program and assists with the supervision and instruction of students with disabilities. Duties include observing and documenting student progress, implementing instructional plans, and supporting students’ health care, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Extensive, detailed data collection and documentation are required. The position may be 10 or 12 months depending on assignment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
For work in a Title I-funded school, 48 college credit hours or a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment issued by ETS or NES.
Considerable patience and ability to work with students who have physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges.
Willingness to learn and implement instructional methods, strategies, and techniques to assist teachers.
Ability to use varied teaching styles to respond to diverse learners’ needs.
Ability to meet IEP goals and/or district benchmarks and present or reinforce learning concepts.
Ability to ensure equipment is connected and functioning properly.
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.
For Title I work, a passing ETS or NES paraprofessional assessment is required in lieu of 48 college credit hours.
Hold or be eligible for a Class C non-commercial driver’s license issued by Maryland or the employee’s state of legal residence, and have daily access to reliable transportation.
For new-hire or transfer placement in a higher grade, successful completion of 30 semester-hour credits earned after July 1, 1993, from a regionally accredited college or university.
For promotional increase from lower grade to higher grade, successful completion of 30 semester-hour credits earned after July 1, 1993, from a regionally accredited college or university, and consistent maintenance of an effective and orderly work environment and compliance with general office procedures.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with students with disabilities is preferred.
Proficiency with business software, such as video/web conferencing and Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint), is preferred.
For Title I facilities, Highly-Qualified ParaEducator status through the ParaPro assessment or qualifying post-secondary education may support placement at Grade 6, subject to the school’s Title I status and other stated conditions.

Responsibilities

Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the classroom teacher’s direction to support classroom objectives.
Assist in implementing instructional programs and lesson plans, and provide instruction to students in individual and group activities.
Participate in implementing students’ IEP goals and behavioral plans developed by the IEP team.
Perform clerical tasks to prepare instructional materials.
Collect and maintain data and documentation about activities, assignments, and assistance provided to students.
Attend meetings, professional development, and medical and behavioral trainings.
As instructed by a health care professional, assist with immediate first aid and medical assistance, which may include diapering, tube feeding, colostomy care, and medication.
Assist students with personal care, including bathroom use, clothing, hygiene, and toileting.
Apply and remove physical therapy appliances as instructed by the service provider and in accordance with the IEP plan.
Assist students with mobility, including lifting and positioning, wheelchair transfers, bus loading and unloading, and wheelchair transportation around school and on field trips.
Assist students in accessing electronic communicators, switches, pointers, feeders, and similar devices.
Assist with pre-lunch and lunch activities and monitor students during assigned periods in various school environments.
Perform other related duties as assigned within the same or a lower classification.
Drive as required to conduct bona fide Board business within the scope of the position.
Maintain an effective and orderly work environment, comply with general office procedures, demonstrate discretion and customer service, and attend work regularly and punctually for eligibility for promotional increase.