Teaching Assistant - Special Education - Powell Valley Elementary School

Job Description

Job Description

A Tennessee public school special education teaching assistant (grades K-8)-often called an instructional assistant, educational assistant, or paraprofessional-is responsible for providing instructional, behavioral, and personal care support to students with diverse learning disabilities under the direct supervision of a licensed special education teacher.

Job Summary

The primary purpose of this role is to assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) . The assistant works with students in both self-contained classrooms, such as Comprehensive Development Classes (CDC) , and inclusive general education classrooms to ensure a safe, productive, and accessible learning environment.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Support

• Reinforce lessons individually or in small groups to help students master core academic concepts.
• Adapt classroom work and learning materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to meet IEP objectives.
• Administer and monitor classroom assignments, homework, and make-up tests.
• Prepare classroom materials , organize supplies, and set up assistive technology or equipment.

Behavioral and Social Support

• Implement behavior plans and positive reinforcement techniques outlined in student IEPs.
• Employ de-escalation strategies and crisis intervention techniques when a student is in distress.
• Supervise students across school settings, including classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, and bus loading zones.
• Foster cooperative social behavior to help K-8 students build relationships with peers and adults.

Personal Care and Physical Assistance

• Assist with self-care needs, including toileting, diapering, dressing, and hygiene routines.
• Provide feeding assistance or administer basic medical needs as directed by healthcare professionals.
• Support mobility by lifting, positioning, or transferring students using adaptive equipment.

Communication and Documentation

• Log student progress , data, and daily behavioral metrics to assist teachers with record-keeping.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student, family, and medical records according to FERPA guidelines and board policy.
• Collaborate professionally with general education teachers, therapists, and school administrators.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Education : High school diploma or equivalent is required. For Title I funded schools in Tennessee, you must also hold an Associate degree, have completed 48 college credit hours, or pass a paraprofessional assessment.
• Certifications : Ability to obtain crisis de- escalation/restraint certification (e.g., CPI) and CPR/First Aid certification.
• Physical Demands : Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift or move up to 50 pounds.