Special Education Instructional Aide

Assist special education teacher in providing for instructional and physical needs of learners with disabilities in the general and special education settings. Assist in implementation of classroom programs including self-help, behavior management, and instructional programs. Works under the general supervision of the campus principal and under the immediate direction of the certified special education teacher.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:

• High School Diploma or GED certificate
• Have met formal academic assessment, associate degree, or two

years of study at an institution of higher learning* or bachelor's degree

• Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate-May be applied for once employed

*For positions funded by Title monies or for positions at campuses identified as a


Campus-wide Title campus, the following additional qualifications apply:

• An associate degree, two years of study at an institute of higher learning or have

met formal academic assessment Required by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with school-aged children preferred

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Instructional Support

• Assist special educator in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with the inventory, care and maintenance of equipment.
• Assist special education teacher in collecting data to document learner IEP progress
• Assist special education teacher in keeping administrative records and in preparation of required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Work with learners as directed by the special education teacher to support their access to the grade level curriculum and extra-curricular activities.
• Support learners in general education and special education settings as assigned.
• Support learners' use of digital devices for learning and assessment as assigned.

Learner Management

• Assist learners with physical disabilities according to their needs including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting or positioning.
• Assist learners with physical needs and personal care including feeding, bathroom needs and personal hygiene.
• Help manage the behavior of the learners. This includes intervening in crisis situations, utilizing de-escalation techniques, and physical management as required to abate the crisis.
• Assume the responsibility for learning and adapting to each learner's special medical, physical, communicative and emotional needs.
• Work with individual learners or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
• Help supervise learners throughout the school day inside and outside the classroom, including lunchroom, playground, and safe movement throughout the building.

Other

• Maintains confidentiality.
• Participates in staff development programs, faculty meetings and special events as assigned. This includes training in management of aggressive behaviors, if necessary.
• Assist special educator in maintaining communication with campus staff working with learners.
• Redirect parent queries to special educator.
• All other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:


None
WORKING_CONDITIONS:
Equipment Used:


Digital technology; Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook); printer, copier and fax machine; and Google Apps; learner specific equipment for communication and/or physical needs.


Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:


Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent creative problem solving with other members of the instructional team. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position learners with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory learners. Exposure to biological hazards.

START DATE: 08/03/2026