Special Education Teaching Assistant- High School in USA

The Special Education Teaching Assistant provides essential support to teachers in delivering a comprehensive and effective educational experience for high school students with disabilities. This role is instrumental in facilitating student learning and participation during both instructional and non-instructional activities, fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom environment.

Key Responsibilities

Assist the classroom teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and instructional activities.

Provide direct support to students with disabilities to enhance their academic and social development.

Supervise and assist students during non-instructional periods, such as lunch, transitions, and arrivals/dismissals.

Employ behavior management strategies and positive reinforcement techniques.

Maintain a safe and productive learning environment.

Assist with classroom procedures and help maintain student focus and appropriate conduct.

Perform basic record-keeping and documentation of student progress.

Utilize mechanical lifting and positioning devices to assist students with physical needs.

Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the Classroom Teacher and the Building Principal.

Qualifications & Licensure

Mandatory Licensure (One of the following is required):

A current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL); OR

A current Illinois Substitute Teaching License; OR

A current Illinois Educator License with Stipulations endorsed as a Paraprofessional Educator. To obtain this, candidates must meet one of these criteria:

Hold an Associate's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.

Have completed 60 semester hours of college coursework.

Possess a high school diploma or equivalent AND achieve a score of 480 or higher on the ETS Parapro test.

Possess a high school diploma or equivalent AND achieve a score of 4 or higher on the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math and Workplace Documents tests.

A current Illinois Short Term Approval (STA) for Paraprofessionals (for candidates aged 19+ with a high school diploma or equivalent).

For detailed information on obtaining licensure, please contact:
DuPage Regional Office of Education, Licensure Division
421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: 630-407-5800 | Email: cert@dupageroe.org

Required Skills & Competencies

Proven ability to work effectively and patiently with children and adolescents.

Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Capacity to function effectively within the framework of a school environment.

Working knowledge of child guidance principles and practices.

Understanding of behavior management and positive reinforcement techniques.

Familiarity with basic record-keeping methods.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Physical Demands: The role requires frequent physical activity, including sitting, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and push/pull items of similar weight (e.g., assisting a child or maneuvering a wheelchair).

Work Environment: The role is performed in a school setting with potential hazards, including exposure to communicable diseases, contact with body fluids, and risk of injury from managing aggressive student behaviors.

Application Portal: This position is managed via the AppliTrack system and can also be viewed on www.k12jobspot.com.

Expected Salary: $16 per hour.