EXETER-WEST GREENWICH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICTCLASSIFICATION: Instructional Teacher AssistantsSpecial AssignmentsPaygrade 3REPORTS TO: Director of Special Services, Principal, and designated teachersPOSITION SUMMARY: This is a paraprofessional work of an instructional and personal care nature in a classroom setting with individuals or small groups of students who have pronounced physical and/or emotional disabilities or are learning disabled. An employee in this class is responsible for assisting a teacher in carrying out a daily education program. Work involves the development of an effective personal relationship with children having special needs, which requires an unusual amount of patience, empathy and flexibility on the part of the assistant. Work requires assisting a teacher in various instructional duties and performing clerical duties according to established procedures which can be learned on the job.
An employee is provided with specific instructions and is under the direct supervision of a classroom teacher or the Director of Special Services. Duties and Responsibilities: (Including but not limited to) Assists in the preparation of learning materials for use in the classroom. Assist in maintaining safety of students in a classroom setting. Assists the classroom teacher in addressing students academic needs.
Monitors behavior management plans developed for students and keeps accurate records in relation to such plans. Provide instructional support to students individually and/or within small groups. Implement accommodations and modifications needed to work with students who are medically fragile and/or physically challenged (such as lifting, self-help skills, positioning, and transferring as needed.) Implement procedures, protocols and interventions that are unique to an individual student or classroom needs (such as positive behavioral supports, communication systems, physical transfers, toileting, self-help skills, visual supports, sensory diets, feeding protocols and crisis prevention/intervention techniques.) Perform tasks required to assist students who have developmental, cognitive, learning, physical and/or social-emotional disabilities. Assists on field trips when educationally necessary and approved.
Performs supervisory duties within the building such as recess, lunch, hallway monitoring, or bus supervision as assigned by the principal. Remain actively engaged in the supervision and monitoring of students in all settings. Maintain a safe environment at all times for students, staff, and themselves. Notify building administration of any safety hazards in the playground, school grounds, or school building.
Maintains effective professional communication and collaboration with classroom teachers. Assists the classroom teacher with reinforcement of curriculum in all core areas. Demonstrates an understanding of and desire to work with the student(s) to whom they are assigned. Promotes the attainment of the Districts Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan.
Follows all school district policies and procedures. Complete all training or professional development required by the district. Complete all required paperwork (i.e. Compuclaim) as required.
Perform other Teacher Assistant or job-related duties as required.Required Skills/Abilities: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills with ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with all students. Knowledge of basic instructional methods and techniques, educational practices and procedures. Knowledge of classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
Knowledge of basic child/adolescent developmental stages. Ability to maintain confidentiality during work hours and outside of work hours. Willingness to learn, use and navigate student devices or instructional tools as needed. Ability to implement safety care techniques after appropriate training.
Interact with students in a developmentally appropriate, respectful, consistent and empathic manner. Ability to prioritize the needs and requests of students and staff within the school setting and respond in a professional and efficient manner. Ability to understand and implement oral and written instructions. Ability to learn assigned duties readily and to adhere to prescribed classroom procedures.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Capable of working collegially with all levels of administration and staff. Proficient with Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office Suite or related software. Meet the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) standards and indicators for ALL teacher assistants (see attached standards.) Meet guidelines for a teacher assistant for specific job posting (see attached guidelines.) There may be additional requirements specific to a job assignment such as but not limited to: Chauffeurs license, Safety Care training, RIELDS training, and sign language.Education and Experience: High School Diploma or GED.
Previous experience with age specific children preferred. RIDE Teacher Assistant Certification required and pass the ParaPro exam or meet the requirements of an acceptable RIDE alternative.Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer or standing/walking throughout the classroom/school. Must be able to kneel, sit, stand, squat, crawl, push, and pull to assist and teach children throughout the day. May be required to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
Special circumstances that would require lifting above 25 pounds will be listed in specific job postings. Must be able to navigate the classroom and adjust ones tone and height, by bending or leaning, in order to teach each child. Must be able to lead students to safety in the event of an emergency. Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
(Special Ed Roles)Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualifying individuals to perform essential functions. The noise level in this environment may be loud, depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day and location.Dispositions: Regular and predictable attendance. Adhere to faculty arrival and departure times as specified in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
