Primary Purpose:

Provide instructional assistance to students under the direct supervision of a Speech Language Pathologist. Assist in preparing, conducting, and managing of classroom activities. Help meet the physical and instructional needs of individual students with disabilities inside and outside the classroom. Assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP), including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under the general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of a Speech Language Pathologist.

 

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate

Have met formal academic assessment, associate’s degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

 

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics

Ability to work with children with disabilities

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

 

Experience:

Two years of experience working with children

 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support

1. Provide instruction to students under the direction of the Speech Language Pathologist; work with individual students or small groups.

2. Assist Speech Language Pathologist in preparing instructional materials.

3. Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.

4. Help Speech Language Pathologist keep administrative records and prepare required reports.

5. Provide assistance to substitute Speech Language Pathologists.

 

Student Management

6. Help meet the individual needs of student(s) including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting and positioning; interpreting instructions; and assisting with physical needs and personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.

7. Help manage the behavior of assigned student(s). This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student as needed.

8. Recognize differences in student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction under the direction of the teacher.

9. Work with assigned student(s) or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by Speech Language Pathologist.

10. Help supervise students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.

 

Other

11. Maintain confidentiality.

12. Participate in professional development programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.

13. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students

Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking and reaching

Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment

Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress