About the Employer
Teacher Assistant Job Description
Job Summary
Teacher Assistants assist the classroom teacher in delivering educational and/or behavioral interventions for special education students. They report directly to the School Principal in collaboration with a Special Education Administrator.
Essential Job Functions
Provides academic support to students as directed by the classroom teacher and other staff responsible for IEP implementation.
Assists the classroom teacher in implementing IEP goals, 504 accommodations, and EL accommodations.
Assists in maintaining a safe and organized classroom environment.
Provides behavioral support as directed by the classroom teacher.
Assists students at arrival, dismissal, recess, and busing.
Provides assistance to enable students with disabilities to accomplish activities of daily living and tasks (eating, dressing, toileting, transferring, walking, communicating, navigating the school environment, etc.).
Uses de-escalation techniques (CPI) to assist with behavioral non-compliance and work with students in crisis.
May attend to the physical needs of students; may include handling equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, or other equipment.
Completes necessary paperwork at the direction of the classroom teacher.
Assists in the preparation of the classroom as directed by the classroom teacher.
Performs other duties assigned by the School Principal to meet the specific needs of the Pawtucket School Department and its students.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to interact and communicate effectively with children with special needs
Ability to work as a team member with building staff to provide services to children
Ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics
Ability to use sound judgment and knowledge of student behaviors and school department policies and procedures to make decisions
Strong interpersonal skills
Ability to work with individual students or groups of students according to the instructional plan.
Ability to assist students' educational needs, including personal, emotional, and skill development.
Ability to observe and record information about student performance.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and practice patience with employees, students, supervisors, and the general public
Timely completion of tasks and paperwork requirements
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
Associate's degree or higher or completion of at least 2 years of study at an institute of higher education or have passed the Parapro Exam.
Completion of the State of RI approved Teacher Assistant pre-employment training program or certified as a TA in another state or obtained an Associate or Bachelor's degree and have completed coursework or other training consistent with the Teacher Assistant program standards.
Preferred Qualifications
Bilingual
CPI Training
CPR/AED Training
Previous experience working with children
Previous education in early childhood or special education
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
Frequently required to stand, sit, and walk
Frequently required to talk and hear
Must be able to feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, reach, and stoop/kneel/crouch
Occasional lifting or carrying weighing up to 50 pounds
Must have clarity of vision, precise hand-eye coordination, and the ability to identify students and ensure safety
The work environment is typically within a school classroom setting, although the employee may be exposed to adverse weather conditions related to outdoor recreation events
May be exposed to bodily fluids when assisting students with physical needs
Yearly Requirement
Professional development hours as set and approved by the Pawtucket School Department
