JOB SPECIFICATION
POSITION: Special Education Assistant Teacher
JOB CODE: ESS4000
DEPARTMENT: ESS/SSS
LOCATION: Great Hearts Harveston
REPORTS TO: Head of School
EEO Classification: 8 Laborer and Helper
FLSA STATUS : Hourly
Position Summary
The Special Educatio n Assistant Teacher is a campus support position that will play an important role in supporting the Special Education team such that the team will enable the school to provide access to the Great Hearts classical, liberal arts education to all families who want it for their children.
Specifically, the Special Education Assistant Teacher will provide support to the Special Education team in providing individualized programs of service to students with IEPs. This may include providing support to specific students in or out of both general and special education settings , assisting in the adaptation or modification of curricular materials, and providing administrative or clerical support to the Special Education team.
Ultimately, the Special Education Assistant Teacher must work with the team to ensure that the IEPs are implemented with fidelity and reflect the philosophy of Great Hearts with regards to providing access to our rich, classical liberal arts experience, and comply with federal, state, and local requirements.
Duties & Responsibilities
Instr uctional Support Services
Implement support s and services as outlined in student IEPs
Perform administrative and/or clerical support tasks for SPED team
Lesson material preparation
Curricular material adaptation and modification
As needed: Assist students with disabilities with physical needs, including eating and toileting
Maintain strict confidentiality of all Special Education evaluations , IEPs, and any other student information
Organizational Management
Follow a set schedule of activities and responsibilities
Be flexible as these schedules and activities may change due to student need
Provide assistance with the organizational needs of the Special Education Department.
Support the organizational needs of the campus, upon request.
The Special Education Assistant Teacher Role in Student Achievement
Work collaboratively with teachers and the Special Education team in the creation of a supportive school environment that meets the academic and developmental needs of all students .
Work alongside teachers and school administrators in the creation of a school climate and culture that effectively manages student behavior in the pursuit of the habits of virtue and in accordance with the code of conduct.
Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
Professional Learning
Proactively find and a ttend in-service training to promote and grow in knowledge and skill .
Positively receive feedback from the Special Education Department regarding job performance .
Qualities of an Effective Special Education Assistant Teacher
Use effective communication skills, written and oral, to present information accurately and clearly to student s and staff.
Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents and community members.
Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for staff, including daily attendance, punctuality and confidentiality.
Attend and participate in Special Education Department meetings and serve on committees, as needed.
Demonstrate the following core values: integrity, high expectations , commitment, respect, dedication to teamwork and passion for a student - centered environment .
Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
Personal Qualities and Values
Passionately Committed
With humility and curiosity, we seek to know more about our core purpose; seek to share (with each other and with others externally as an advocate); seek to live the mission ourselves with relentless pursuit and intrinsic motivation; seek to understand our work and how it serves the mission…which should result in getting the right stuff done with measurable results because we love actualization – not just the theory .
Servant’s Heart
The foundational element of having a servant’s heart is the acknowledgement of inherent dignity in their fellow human . Someone with a servant’s heart believes that their work is to promote the development of those around them and make it possible for others to be successful in serving the mission of the organization.
Team Player
We believe our mission can only be accomplished through collaboration and receive true joy in being a part of something greater than ourselves; Each of us is one part of a whole, each with different roles , expertise and responsibilities; working together in synchronicity.
Qualifications, Competencies & Strengths
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Education ( preferred, not required )
High School Diploma (required)
Experience:
One year of experience working with students, preferably in the field of special education
Special Skills:
Understanding of various disabilities encountered within a school setting and a willingness to learn about the unfamiliar
Ability to interpret individual education program (IEPs) as appropriate
Ability to provide a ccommodations (classroom and testing) as outlined in IEPs
Knowledge of local, state , and federal rules and regulations pertaining to special education
Knowledge of various special education eligibility conditions and the challenges to learning .
Basic k nowledge of curriculum in grades K through 12
Basic computer skills
Strong organization and communication (written and oral)
Strong sense of flexibility and teamwork
Ability to project professionalism with faculty, staff, students , and parents
Additional Requirements
Employment is subject to passing a fingerprint criminal history check, from the State Bureau of Criminal Identification.
Physical functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately .
Travel required: May need to travel , albeit seldomly, to other GH regions (Texas, Arizona, Florida) .
This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.