Exceptional Children’s Teacher Assistant Functional Skills

McMichael High School

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The teacher assistant for the adapted curriculum is a paraprofessional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a certified teacher. The teacher assistant is primarily responsible for the implementation of instruction as directed and planned for by the special education teacher. These services include providing reinforcement of lessons (in a small group, in the classroom, or 1:1 instruction) or supervising students during learning activities. This position is in a Functional Skills Classroom with a special education teacher and other staff as needed. 

When working within the exceptional children’s program, teacher assistants will work with students with special needs. Teacher assistants in this environment may be asked to attend regular education classes to support learning by adapting information and tasks to their learning style and IEP goals. When working with students with severe disabilities, teacher assistants may be assigned to students in order to help meet their basic needs (transitions between locations, eating, or personal hygiene). In the secondary level, teacher assistants may be asked to support students in the learning of life skills necessary to find a job and/or live independently after graduation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reinforce lessons presented by reviewing material with students one-on-one or in small groups;
• Help teachers with recordkeeping, such as tracking attendance and calculating grades;
• Help teachers prepare for lessons by getting materials ready or setting up equipment, such as computers;
• Help supervise students in class, between classes, during lunch and recess, and on field trips;
• Participates in in-service programs as assigned;
• Understands and adheres to established policies and procedures.
• Participates with all other educational professionals to include teachers, related service personnel and administrators in the service of students.
• Observes confidentiality and safeguards all student related information.
• Reports to the supervising teacher about student incidents/variances or complaints.
• Custodial care as needed 

QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum education requirement: High School Diploma and/or 48 college credit hours and/or Associate’s Degree, OR HIgh School Diploma and passing score on the Work Keys test (administered by Rockingham Community College)

Must be willing to obtain a bus drivers license.