Interim: Exceptional Children Teacher Assistant

Wilkes County Schools•Hays, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Interim Exceptional Children Teacher Assistant performs technical and clerical tasks to support a teacher of students with disabilities. The role supports the teacher’s instructional efforts, meets students’ individual needs, and helps ensure quality instruction. The assistant provides individual academic, functional-skills, and behavioral support, may lead small-group activities, and helps with classroom housekeeping and clerical work. The position includes monitoring students’ safety and well-being, supporting their independence, adapting learning materials, and carrying out physical care routines specified in students’ Individual Education Plans or Health Plans. Teacher assistants hired effective September 1, 2018 or later must substitute as a bus driver as needed and must hold, or be willing and eligible to obtain at the next training opportunity, a Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger and School Bus endorsements. Failure to pursue or eligibility to obtain the required license may result in a recommendation for dismissal. Wilkes County Schools offers state and local benefits, with eligibility determined by job status and percentage of employment. The district also offers a local salary supplement of 5%.

Requirements

Meet one of the following qualifications: a two-year degree; at least 48 semester hours of college coursework; or passing WorkKeys reading, writing, and math assessments at the bronze level (level 3).
For hires effective September 1, 2018 or later, hold a Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger and School Bus endorsements, or be willing and eligible to obtain one at the next training opportunity.
Ability to use classroom and other equipment, including computers, copiers, and equipment for children with special needs.
Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and negligible force frequently or constantly to move objects.
Ability to solve practical problems, interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions, record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in Standard English.
Ability to work with people beyond giving and receiving instructions and to adapt to stressful conditions, including when interacting with people under stress.
General knowledge of teacher activities, classroom routines, emergency procedures, methods of adapting instruction and equipment for children with special needs, and principles of organization and administration.
Some knowledge of grade-level curriculum.
Ability to monitor student safety, motivate students, maintain a clean and orderly environment, perform clerical duties, maintain classroom safety and discipline, operate common office machines, maintain basic files and records, and establish effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

Assist the teacher with carrying out instruction and evaluating its effectiveness.
Interact with students in an age-appropriate manner that reflects an understanding of their individual needs, abilities, and disabilities.
Maintain confidentiality of student information.
Monitor students’ safety, well-being, attitudes, and behavior; encourage self-esteem and increasing independence; and help maintain classroom discipline.
Assist with crisis prevention and de-escalation as needed.
Support student learning by reinforcing and clarifying instructions, conducting short skill-building sessions, creating or modifying materials, modifying tests, and providing individual assistance.
Use assistive technology equipment and augmentative communication devices as needed for school-related activities.
Carry out physical care routines specified in students’ IEPs or Health Plans, including personal hygiene, feeding, and medication administration.
Assist students with daily living skills, including toileting, feeding, and diaper changes.
Maintain standardized records and documentation concerning student progress.
Maintain an orderly classroom and perform related housekeeping, repair, and school-equipment maintenance tasks.
Perform clerical duties, including maintaining progress records and class files, preparing incident reports, grading papers, scoring tests, checking attendance, making copies, preparing classroom displays and instructional materials, operating audiovisual equipment, and ordering supplies.
Participate in staff development as directed.
For teacher assistants hired effective September 1, 2018 or later, substitute as a bus driver as needed.
Perform other related work as required.