Teacher Assistant - SUBSTITUTES

Pawtucket School Department • Pawtucket, RI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Teacher Assistants work as part of an instructional team with teachers and related-services personnel to help implement and collect data on program activities and support high levels of learning and performance for identified students. The position applies to assignments in special education Early Learning classrooms (pre-kindergarten through grade 2), inclusive models, settings serving students with significant intellectual impairments or autism spectrum disorders, community-based transition programs for students ages 14–21, programs for medically fragile or multiply handicapped students, settings serving students whose behavior interferes with learning or relationships, English language learner programs, and assignments supporting multiple classrooms.

Teacher Assistants support instruction and student participation; promote positive behavior and social interaction; communicate and collaborate with school staff, families, and related agencies; and follow health, safety, and emergency procedures. Duties may include supporting IEP, Section 504, and ELL accommodations; assisting with assignments, assessments, transitions, daily living and vocational skills; collecting performance and behavior data; implementing teacher-directed behavior and curriculum strategies; and providing support in community settings and worksites. The role may involve personal care, mobility assistance, crisis de-escalation, and physical intervention when necessary and authorized.

Requirements

• Be of good character.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED.
• Meet Rhode Island Teacher Assistant requirements through at least one of the following: an associate degree or higher in any area; two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 college credits); or meeting the state performance standard on the ParaPro Test.
• Complete a Rhode Island-approved Teacher Assistant training course.
• Demonstrate aptitude for working with a special-needs population and the ability to perform the responsibilities associated with the assignment.
• Hold and maintain CPI certification.
• Follow the direction of the Principal or designee, the teacher instructing the assigned classroom, and the instructional team.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with teachers, related-services personnel, families, colleagues, and relevant agencies, following professional communication, confidentiality, and school-policy requirements.
• Assist teachers in implementing IEP goals, Section 504 accommodations, ELL accommodations, curriculum modifications, and instructional activities.
• Help students complete assignments and adapted materials; provide teacher-directed small-group instruction; administer classroom and other assessments; and support homework accountability.
• Maintain performance and behavior charts and collect information and data as directed by the instructional team.
• Recognize student frustration and behavior concerns, use appropriate de-escalation and behavior-intervention strategies, support social interaction, and help students rejoin the group after interventions.
• Assist students with transitions, organization, schedules, play, and participation in classroom and school activities.
• Support students’ transitional goals through instruction and supervision in community settings and worksites, including transportation.
• Assist with activities of daily living, including feeding, dressing, toileting, and diapering, and with prevocational and vocational skills as appropriate.
• Use computer and assistive technology to support instruction and student communication needs.
• Support student needs related to physical, auditory, social, emotional, and visual limitations; implement recommendations from related-service providers as directed by the instructional team.
• Maintain the classroom in the teacher’s absence and assist with planning and executing the daily schedule.
• Follow health, safety, and emergency procedures, including universal precautions, safe body mechanics, appropriate positioning and lifting, use of mobility and therapeutic equipment, and emergency evacuation procedures.
• Follow procedures for reporting suspected abuse and take precautions for medical concerns and work safety.
• Attend staff meetings, participate in instructional-team meetings as requested, and engage in ongoing professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee to meet the needs of the school district and its students.

What This Job Offers

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