Educational Openings
Educational Assistants
Location: Central High School
Hours: 6.75 hours per day
Salary Range: $13.60 per hour, subject to increase based on experience. This position includes employee benefits.
The job of Special Education Assistant - Life Skills (Achieve I) is done for the purpose/s of under the direction of assigned personnel, assists, tutors, and trains special education and other identified students in a classroom or similar learning situation; and performing classroom clerical tasks in support of the instructional process. This job reports to the Building Principal and Director of Special Education.
General Requirements
Experience: Job-related experience is desired.
Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
Certificates: 48 college units, or an AA degree, or be able to demonstrate college level skills by passing the Para proficiency test.
Clearances: Employment is contingent upon a Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance, paid for by the applicant.
Essential Functions
- Attends meetings as requested (e.g. inservice training, workshops, IEPs, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or conveying information.
- Assists special education students and other identified students, under the general direction of the teacher, (e.g. reading, explain words, reading to students, arts and crafts, classroom activities, individual assignments, personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, feeding, etc.) for the purpose of providing an opportunity for them to participate in classroom activities and/or ensuring that personal needs are met.
- Confers with teacher(s) for the purpose of assisting in evaluating special education student progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
- Instructs special education students and other identified students, one on one or in small groups (e.g. math groups, providing proper examples, reading, behavioral skills, daily living skills, writing, verbal skills, etc.) for the purpose of assisting students in making progress on their IEP goals.
- Maintains instructional materials and/or student files/records (e.g. instructional materials, student files, checking papers, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.
- Monitors individual students (e.g. field trips, classroom activities, lunch room, shadow, bus, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring a safe and positive learning environment.
- Performs record keeping and clerical functions (e.g. correcting papers, recording grades, copying, displays, bulletin boards, collects paper, distributes supplies, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher in preparing records/materials.
- Records observations and incidents relating to specific students for the purpose of providing documentation and/or communicating information to appropriate personnel.
- Responds to inquiries from staff (e.g. administrators, psychologists, teachers, etc.) for the purpose of providing information.
- Works with students who have been identified with severe cognitive and/or physical disorders (e.g. autism, pervasive developmental disorder, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the medical and instructional needs of the student(s) are met and that all relevant department, district, local, state and federal standard are maintained.
- Assists other personnel, as may be required, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific Knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: age appropriate activities; subject matter taught in assigned classrooms; and stages of child development.
ABILITY is required to gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific Ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting patience and compassion; and working with frequent interruptions.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; There is some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.
Elementary School Teaching/SPED - Resource Room
Location: May Overby Elementary School
Salary Range: According to negotiated agreement
FTE:1.00
REQUIREMENTS
Education Level:
Bachelor’s degree in an approved teacher education program and a current, valid South Dakota teaching certificate with endorsements in the areas of teaching assignment. Must be highly qualified for the position according to South Dakota Department of Education guidelines and regulations.
Experience Desired:
Minimally, student teaching. Previous teaching experience helpful.
Other Requirements:
Demonstrated interest and commitment toward the welfare of young people. Positive human relations skills toward both adults and children. Patience and positive attitude is essential. Initiative and willingness to assist children with personal care needs. Demonstrated ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality in dealing with individuals and/or their records. Skills in word processing, operating office machines and audio-visual equipment.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires eye-hand, mind-eye coordination, physical dexterity, the ability to frequently walk, stand, bend, stoop, talk, and possibly lift up to 50 pounds.
Clearances:
Employment is contingent upon a Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance, paid for by the applicant.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:
- Support the philosophy and mission of the Aberdeen School District.
Teach the approved district curriculum to assigned students. - Ensure that all activities conform to district guidelines.
- Employ instructional strategies that address a variety of learning styles and strengths.
- Use a variety of assessment procedures, samples, and instruments to evaluate student learning and provide specific and immediate feedback.
- Maximize available amount of time for instruction.
- Establish and maintain a positive learning environment and respond to the individual needs of students.
- Maintain an organized and attractive physical classroom environment.
- Set high expectations and standards for student achievement and behavior as appropriate to age and level of development.
- Recognize and address disabilities of students on a regular basis, seeking assistance of district specialists as required.
- Recognize signs of emotional/physical distress in students and take appropriate action when necessary.
- Maintain appropriate classroom management and supervision for all assigned students.
- Take all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
- Meet and instruct assigned classes in the location(s) and time(s) designated.
- Coordinate and supervise field trips as appropriate for assigned teaching area.
- Assist with the activities of student organizations as assigned.
- Obtain advance approval of the Principal for all activities and expenditures.
- Attend staff meetings and serve on committees.
- Strive to maintain and improve professional competence by participating in district-initiated staff development.
- Communicate effectively and clearly with others.
- Use appropriate and effective written and spoken language.
- Maintain accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, school district policy and school administrative requirements.
Prepare appropriate lesson plans for substitute teachers. - Use appropriate technology for both instructional and management functions.
- Respond to communications within the school district, (e-mail, voice mail, interoffice memos, postal mail) in a timely manner.
- Adhere to all district policies, handbooks, and regulations.
- Teach students who have been identified as in need of special education; may include students who are developmentally delayed, mentally handicapped and behaviorally disordered.
- Provide consultation to classroom teachers regarding inclusion needs of above described students.
- Participate in identification, assessment and IEP development and delivery for eligible students.
- Maintain student records regarding the referral evaluation and placement process in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements.
- Participate in parent conferences and communicate with parents on a routine basis, keeping them well-informed about their child’s school progress.
- Utilize teaching techniques consistent with the research on characteristics of effective teaching.
- Establish student success as a primary teaching goal and provide opportunity for all students to experience success.
- Promote developmental growth and achievement for all students.
- Monitor student classroom effort and parent-child activities, thus providing continuous feedback to parents and students of academic progress.
- Establish classroom management system that promotes the most efficient use of learning time.
- Provide for the well-being, health and safety of all students.
- Participate in school and District study committees and department meetings.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or Director of Special Education.