Educational Associate, COMM

Primary Purpose:

Assisting in the supervision and instruction of special needs students under the supervision of a certified teacher; observing and documenting student progress; implementing plans for instruction; and providing clerical support to the teacher.

Qualifications (Experience/ Education/Certification):

High School diploma or GED; SAMA certification (can obtain after hire); At least 48 semester of college work, or an Associates degree or higher, or a valid Texas Paraprofessional Certificate (can obtain after hire). Two years related experience.

Major Responsibilities:

§   Assist in a variety of areas at a campus. This includes but is not limited to: helping teachers in preparation and assisting in the library, adaptive physical education classrooms, and special education classroom.

§   May assist with tube feeding, toileting, lifting/transferring students.

§   Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing an opportunity for all special education students to participate in classroom activities.

§   Confers with certified teachers and therapists on a regular basis for the purpose of assisting and instructing students with special needs. This includes: evaluating student progress; implementing IEP objectives; and/or implementing behavioral plans.

§   Monitors special education students for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment (e.g. lunch, playground/outside, special areas, restroom, hallways, CBIs).

§   Participates in meetings, program workshops, and seminars (e.g. in-service, training, special events, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information about the program and/or program related activities.

§   Maintains daily documentation on instruction and/or behavior, and performs clerical functions for the purpose of supporting the teacher

§   Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured students, behavior escalations, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.

§   Assist students with augmentative communication devices and/or other adaptive equipment in order for them to access specialized instruction.

§   Performs other duties as assigned.

§   Conserve electricity as outlined in the districts energy management plan

Special Knowledge/Skills:

§   Willingness and ability to implement necessary skills for student success.

§   Ability to maintain confidentiality. 

§   Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, and other staff.

§   Willingness to comply with federal, state, and local laws, guidelines and procedures.

§   Willingness to develop skills working with students who have linguistically and culturally diverse needs.

§   Ability to work effectively with students with special needs.

§   General office equipment knowledge and skills.

§   Ability to follow an assigned schedule.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Working Conditions (Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Demands):

Maintain emotional control under stress; biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases; regular heavy lifting of students; must be able to squat and lift and/or carry at least 50 lbs independently and over 50 lbs with assistance. May need to sit on the floor, kneel, or crawl for various classroom activities.