Instructional Assistant - Special Services (2026-2027)

Special Services Teaching Assistant

The job of the Special Services Teaching Assistant is to work with individual and/or small groups of students with disabilities under the supervision and direction of a certified staff member to: supervise and instruct students, model the necessary skills to perform assignments, model appropriate behaviors, follow educational and behavioral plans, provide health care needs, provide support to students with special needs across a variety of educational settings including the classroom, cafeteria, playground, school campus, and field trips.

Essential Job Functions

• Implements, under the supervision of an assigned teacher and/or professional staff: academic instructional programs, lesson plans (e.g., reading, math, language comprehension, writing, computer, etc.), functional instructional programs (e.g., self-esteem, behavior, daily living, organization, etc.), and carryover of related services (e.g., occupational therapy physical therapy, speech, adapted physical education, hearing, and/or vision)
• Monitor and supervise individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g., classrooms, restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading/unloading zones, cafeteria, assemblies, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Assists with lifting (up to 50 pounds), and other activities of daily living including toileting, feeding, cleaning, transferring, and positioning of students as needed.
• Assists in medical related duties (e.g., catheterization, gastrointestinal feedings, assisted breathing devices, colostomy, and ileostomy) as trained by professional staff and as needed.
• Performs clerical tasks (e.g., adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials, makes copies, files, designs bulletin boards, use computer and necessary software applications) under the direction of the classroom teacher, for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Accurately documents and assists with record-keeping as directed by professional staff and effectively communicates with teachers and other district personnel regarding students' overall needs, progress, etc.
• Complies with and supports school, district, state, and federal regulations and policies including maintaining and respecting confidentiality of student and school personnel information, and applicable safety rules and procedures governing the proper manner of assistance for all students.
• Attends required meetings, in-services, and webinars
• Performs other duties as assigned by professional staff

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Teacher Assistants must possess the ability to:

• develop and maintain an empathetic attitude toward students with disabilities.
• develop effective relationships with students, parents, and staff while maintaining confidentiality.
• work cooperatively with others in a positive manner.
• perform multiple tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• perform basic math, read a variety of manuals, write documents using prescribed formats, solve practical problems.
• work with a diverse population of students and adults in a variety of circumstances in a professional manner.

Teacher Assistants must be willing to:

• learn specialized instructional/management techniques.
• obtain and maintain certification requirements for non-violent crisis intervention, CPR, and first aid.
• apply knowledge related to the stages of child development/behavior.

Education and/or Experience

Must meet one of the following:

• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 hours of college credits)
• Possess an Associate's Degree or higher
• Provide documentation of passing the Paraprofessional Exam

Physical Demands

Duties performed typically in school settings to include: classrooms, gymnasium, cafeteria, auditorium, and recreational areas. Frequent walking, standing, sitting, stooping, lifting of equipment, materials, and/or students up to 50 pounds is required. Lifting, movement, and transferring of students is required. Movement of students by wheelchairs and other physical contact with and/or possible exposure to bodily fluids may occur. Daily personal close contact with students to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. Travel between schools, or between schools and district office, may be required for certain positions.

Terms of Employment

190 days per year, 7 hours per day, Monday-Friday, Non-Exempt

Salary

S6a FMSD Salary Schedule, Salary commensurate with education and experience based on district formula

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the board's policy on evaluation of non-certificated personnel.