Paraeducator Assistant I

TEACHER ASSISTANT I

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, assists teaching staff in providing individual and group instruction, including developing and maintaining records and instructional materials. Incumbent performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Teacher Assistant I & II class differs from the Teacher Aide class in that the Teacher Assistant class is regularly required to perform academic instructional assistance for a significant portion of the assignment.

The Teacher Assistant II class requires additional intensive training beyond what is necessary for a Teacher Aide - Special Education class in the areas of student data collection, communication strategies, severe behaviors, and positive behavior management for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Additionally, the Teacher Assistant - Special Education class independently prepares materials; implements behaviorally based instructions; develops lesson outlines and detailed computer generated instructional materials; conducts screenings; independently provides vocational training in the community on a daily basis; independently prepares graphs, charts, and behavioral analysis data; actively participates in student IEP 's; possesses in-depth knowledge in communication; and extensively modifies and adapts the general education curriculum.

The Teacher Assistant I & II class differs from the Teacher Assistant (Severely Mentally and Physically Challenged) class in that the primary emphasis of the latter is providing functional skills, life skills and living skills training and attendant services instead of academic instructional assistance.

EXEMPLARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists teaching staff in a variety of classroom and related areas; assists in preparing lesson outlines and plans in assigned areas; assists in planning, preparing and developing various teaching aids; presents subject matter to students utilizing a variety of teaching methods and techniques within traditional and/or non-traditional educational settings; assists students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments; presents or reinforces learning concepts; prepares, administers and grades examinations and homework assignments; observes progress and problem areas of students for referral to the classroom teacher; confers with classroom teacher and parent on progress of students; prepares classrooms and audio-visual equipment for use; orders supplies and equipment; maintains classroom bulletin boards; distributes and collects teaching materials; assists in maintaining student discipline and order on the playgrounds, in lunchroom, school halls, library and study halls; operates standard office equipment.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education/Experience: Any experience equivalent to education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

1. Education: Completion of 48 semester or 60 quarter units, from an accredited college or university, desirably in child development, education, special education, or a related field.

AND

2. Experience: One (1) year of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the class, such as student instructional activities or personal guidance of students within an organized program.

OR

1. A high school diploma;

AND

2. Two (2) years of experience as a teacher aide or two (2) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the class, such as student instructional activities or personal guidance of students within an organized program.

Teacher Assistant I & II /Special Education:

For applicants applying for Special Education Teacher Assistant I positions, the following qualifications are desirable:

Thirty (30) hours of classroom work and class observation as follows: 12 class hours in class (orientation, ABA Principles I, Data Collection I; 8 class hours CPI training; 8 class hours ABA Principles II and Data Collection II; 2 hours in-class observation by PC or BCBA, or Assistant BA; must meet requirements for highly qualified and other WCSD requirements for assistant position.

Applicants hired by the District after January 8, 2002, to work at a Title I designated school, must possess a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and have completed the following requirements: Completed at least 48 semester hours of credit at an accredited college or university; or, obtained an associate?s degree or higher degree from an accredited college or university; or, passed the ParaPro Assessment prepared and administered by Educational Testing Services (ETS) with a score of at least 460. Employees hired by the District prior to January 9, 2002, must meet the above requirements by June 30, 2006.

Knowledge of: Education principles and techniques; students physical, emotional and academic requirements, habits and characteristics; basic discipline and behavior modification techniques; correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; basic mathematics; current office methods and procedures including files and records management; common office equipment and its usage.

Skill at: Instructing students in a variety of academic and self-care skills areas; preparing realistic lesson plans and teaching aids; securing and maintaining the confidence and cooperation of students; dealing tactfully with parents and school personnel; evaluating situations accurately and taking effective action; typing with speed and accuracy; spelling correctly; reading, writing and speaking English at a level required for successful job performance; preparing and maintaining accurate and complete records, files and summaries; developing instructional materials; making mathematical computations; operating various office equipment; operating and maintaining audio-visual equipment, understanding and carrying out oral and written instructions; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licenses/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR Certification is required for teacher assistants working in the area of Special Education.

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.

The Washoe County School District prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and/or discrimination based on an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veterans or military status, marital status, political affiliation, disability or the presence of any sensory, physical or mental handicap in any of its educational programs/activities and employment, or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The District prohibits discrimination against any youth group listed in Title 36, as a patriotic society, (i.e. Boy Scouts of America) from access to public school facilities use.