Special Education Teaching Assistant

The Opportunity: The Paraprofessional plays a vital role in fostering student achievement by providing individualized and small-group support to promote academic and social-emotional growth. Under the direction of the lead classroom teacher, the Paraprofessional assists with instruction, behavior management, and daily classroom operations. Responsibilities also include supporting students’ needs across various school environments, including classrooms, lunch, and play areas. Additionally, the Paraprofessional helps with personal care tasks as needed to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment. Duties and Responsibilities: Support student learning by reinforcing instruction and assisting with small-group interventions. Help manage student behavior positively and proactively across all school settings, including inclusion classes, lunch, and cooperative play. Assist with personal care tasks (e.g., feeding, toileting, hygiene) in a respectful and dignified manner. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment, including sanitizing materials and ensuring hygiene best practices. Provide hands-on assistance with classroom activities, including setting up learning materials and supporting differentiated instruction. Monitor and document student progress as directed by the lead teacher. Uphold confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions. Collaborate with educators, therapists, and support staff to promote student success. Participate in ongoing professional development and training. Perform other duties as assigned that support student learning and classroom operations, as directed by the lead teacher or school leadership. Qualifications: Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant current special education methodologies and techniques Strong instructional skills, including the ability to engage and motivate students Professionalism, reliability, and a collaborative mindset. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced educational setting. Problem-solving ability and a positive attitude. Education and Experience: Associate’s degree or at least 60 college credits (NJ) / 48 college credits (PA), or a passing ParaPro score required. Experience in a school setting or working with students receiving special education services is preferred. Physical Requirements: This role may involve physical activities such as assisting students in a classroom setting, moving classroom materials, and physically supporting students with mobility needs. Reasonable accommodations will be made as needed. Salary and Bonus Information: This role is eligible for a $500 signing bonus! New specialized services classroom assistants start at an hourly rate of $22.28 with Mastery offering up to $24.46, based on education and experience. Hourly rates range from $22.28 to $31.25, with growth opportunities as your career progresses. This is a part-time role where you will work a total of 29 hours/week, Monday-Friday.