Special Education Instructional Associate
About the Employer
Instructional Associate: Special Education - ACL (26-27 SY)
Job Title and Wage/Hour Status
Job Title: Instructional Associate
Sped Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt
Reports to and Department/Campus
Reports to: Principal and Teacher(s) Assigned
Department/Campus: Assigned Campus
Date Revised: October 2025
Primary Purpose
Primary purpose:
* Assist the special education teacher to provide for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting.
* Assist in the implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction.
* Work under the general supervision of the principal and the immediate direction of a certified teacher.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Education/Certification
High school diploma or its recognized equivalent and meet one of the following requirements:
* Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (defined as completion of 48 semester hours or equivalent trimester hours) of college coursework or an applicable number of semester hours as defined by the institution of higher education attended, whichever is less;
* Possess an associate (or higher) degree;
* Meet a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a local academic assessment,
Knowledge of and Ability to Assist in Instructing
Knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or
Knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate
Valid Texas Educational Aide certificate
Special Knowledge/Skills
Special knowledge/skills:
* Ability to work well with children with disabilities
* Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
* Ability to communicate effectively
* Knowledge of general office equipment
Experience
Experience
Experience working with childrenMajor Responsibilities and Duties
Major responsibilities and duties:
Upholding School Rules, Administrative Regulations, and State/Local Board Policy
Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations, and state and local board policy.
Assisting Students with Physical Disabilities
Assist students with physical disabilities according to their individualized needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting or positioning.
Assisting Students with Physical Needs and Personal Care
Assist students with physical needs and personal care including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
Managing Student Behavior and Crisis Intervention
Assist in managing the behavior of students and crisis intervention, including restraining disruptive or dangerous physical behavior as needed.
Learning and Adapting to Each Student's Needs
Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative and emotional needs.
Supervising Students
Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
Assist in supervising students throughout the school day, both inside and outside the classroom, including lunchroom, bus duty and playground.
Maintaining Teacher Informed of Special Needs or Problems
Keep the teacher informed of any special needs or problems of individual students.
Preparing Instructional Materials and Classroom Displays
Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays.
Maintaining a Neat and Orderly Classroom
Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom.
Inventory, Care, and Maintenance of Equipment
Assist in inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
Keeping Administrative Records and Preparing Reports
Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing required reports.
Providing Orientation and Assistance to Substitute Teachers
Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
Maintaining Confidentiality
Maintain integrity of confidential information.
Participating in Staff Development Training Programs, Faculty Meetings, and Special Events
Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings and special events as needed.
Complying with District and Local Campus Routines, Policy, and Regulations
Comply with all district and local campus routines, policy, and regulations.
Performing Other Duties and Responsibilities
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervising teachers or principal.
Equipment Used
Equipment used:
* Use wheelchair lift, ramps, personal computer, copier, typewriter and audiovisual equipment.
Working Conditions
Working conditions
Mental Demands
Mental demands:
* Reading;
* Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written);
* Maintain emotional control under stress
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors
Physical demands/environmental factors:
* Frequent standing;
* Stooping;
* Bending;
* Kneeling;
* Pushing and pulling;
* Regular heavy lifting of students;
* Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.