Special Education Teacher Aide

Special Education Teacher Aide

This title is used for positions which are created for the main purpose of relieving school teachers of that part of their duties, which, while related to the teaching process, can be performed by non-professional personnel. The duties of this class differ from those of School Monitor due to the more complex nature of the assignments that are performed. The duties of School Monitor are generally quite limited in scope whereas those of Teacher Aide often times require specific skills or abilities.

In addition to the job description found below, this position will have a focus on alternative to suspension/in-school suspension, hall monitor duties, and supervision of students.

Purpose: The Teacher Aide will have the primary responsibility of supporting teachers in the performance of their teaching functions through duties associated with the teaching process and by helping teachers meet the physical needs of children. The Teacher Aide will also have the primary responsibility of being the "face" of the building/department and ensuring all patrons receive a warm and friendly greeting.

Guiding Philosophy of a Palmyra-Macedon Teacher Aide:

• Embrace learning for all.
• Create and enthusiastically be part of a collaborative culture.
• Value collective capacity through job-embedded professional learning.
• Focus on results and not activities.
• Implement change for its effect on increased student achievement and the overall enhancement of the organization.
• Embrace the model of continuous improvement.

Expected Results:

1. The Teacher Aide will guide students regarding the teacher's directed differentiated instruction they need by:

• Working with individual pupils or groups of pupils on special instructional projects.
• Assisting pupils in the use of provided instructional resources.
• Utilizing their own special skills and abilities to aid the teacher's directed instructional programs in such areas as foreign languages, arts, crafts, music and similar subjects.
• Assisting students with specific health related activities as appropriate.
• Providing the teacher with information about pupils which will assist the teacher in the development of appropriate learning and behavioral experiences.
• Overseeing the technical operations of language and science laboratory equipment, setup and breakdown.
• Assisting students with the technical operation of computers, accessing information on the Internet and accessing word processing and other computer programs.
• Reading from prepared scripts to children e.g., test modifications and books.
• Proctoring and assisting with the technical functions of the examination.
• Maintaining classroom routines and assisting with behavior issues at the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Assisting teachers with the correction of test papers, recording of grades, maintaining files and preparing statistical reports.
• When assigned to support matters of the Code of Conduct as it relates to school bus transportation, the employee shall be responsible (.4 FTE) to work with school bus drivers, parents, counselors, and the building principal to address bus disciplinary matters, conduct transportation investigations, board buses, implement approved behavior plans, and coordinate with the transportation office on such matters.

2. The Teacher Aide will ensure all parents, students, community members, employees, and all visitors to the Palmyra-Macedon CSD will experience the Pal-Mac Way by:

• Greeting parents, students, community members, employees, and all visitors with a friendly and helpful attitude.
• Displaying a customer service approach when working with others in person, on the phone, and through written and electronic communication.
• Being attentive to the needs of all individuals who request their assistance.
• Communicating clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Utilizing their skills to de-escalate a situation when other people are in a heightened or excited state.
• Being patient.

3. The Teacher Aide will assume other duties, projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Building Administrator or Department Supervisor/Director.

The Teacher Aide will possess the following minimum qualities, qualifications, skills, and/or abilities:

• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
• Fingerprint clearance through New York State Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability.
• Evidence of an open, collaborative style that fosters a sense of teamwork and common purpose.
• Proven people skills and is an effective communicator with a sense of humor. The successful candidate will be positive, approachable, and respectful of others.
• Willingness to become an active, engaged and visible member of the Pal-Mac community.
• A clear communicator in oral and written language, including electronic communication.
• Work collaboratively with other staff members, administrators, students, and parents.
• Use problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Listens first.

Evaluation: The Teacher Aide will report to the Building Administrator or Department Supervisor/Director and be evaluated by the District approved document.

Required Documents:

• Complete online application
• Resume