Teacher Assistant

Job title: Teacher Assistant

Reports to: Program Director - Sheldon Pines School

Position Summary

The Teacher Assistant provides instructional, behavioral, and classroom support services for students with emotional and behavioral needs in a highly structured educational environment. This role assists teachers with implementing academic and behavioral programming, reinforcing classroom expectations, monitoring student progress, and supporting individualized interventions designed to improve student success. Responsibilities include helping students develop self-regulation skills, managing behavior support systems and documentation, assisting with classroom activities and academic tasks, and providing supervision and support during daily school routines. The position works collaboratively with teachers and support staff to maintain a safe, positive, and accountable learning environment where students can successfully re-engage in instruction and school activities. Additionally, the Teacher Assistant supports classroom operations, promotes student growth and independence, and helps ensure consistent implementation of educational and behavioral support strategies.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

1. Provide direct instructional and academic support to students individually and in small groups under the direction of certified staff.
2. Assist with the implementation of IEP goals, behavior intervention plans, PBIS supports, and classroom routines.
3. Monitor student progress, complete required documentation such as point sheets, and communicate student needs and progress to staff.
4. Support behavior management, de-escalation efforts, crisis response, and the maintenance of a safe and structured learning environment.
5. Assist teachers with lesson preparation, instructional activities, classroom organization, and other educational supports.
6. Support students with social-emotional, behavioral, communication, and independent living skill development.
7. Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, families, and support staff to promote student success, including participating and attending PBIS meetings and student behavior meetings.
8. Assist with student supervision during classroom activities, transitions, community-based instruction, and other school activities as assigned.
9. Perform other functions as assigned.

These functions and responsibilities are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions that may be performed by such a person.

Employment Qualifications

Education: 

High School Diploma required, and specialized or technical training preferred. Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school preferred.

Experience:

Requires one (1) to three (3) years of related experience. Experience working in a K–12 school or educational setting is strongly preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations: 

Ability to obtain and maintain Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification, within ninety (90) days of hire, is required. Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certifications, within ninety (90) days of hire, is required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

1. Knowledge of instructional support practices, behavior management techniques, and PBIS principles.
2. Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
3. Ability to support students with diverse academic, behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs.
4. Ability to remain calm, exercise self-control, and make sound decisions during high-stress situations.
5. Basic computer and technology skills.
6. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and observation skills.
7. Ability to follow behavior intervention plans and instructional directions while supporting student independence.
8. Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
9. Patience, flexibility, and a commitment to student success.

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

1. Ability to occasionally lift, move, or support students, equipment, and instructional materials. Physical demands vary by assignment and student needs and may include lifting or assisting individuals weighing up to 100 pounds or more, with the use of mechanical lifts, transfer devices, and team-lift procedures when appropriate.
2. The physical requirements of this position vary based on specific job assignments. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties of the job. Job functions are to be performed in-person unless as otherwise approved by supervisor.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be very loud at times. This is not a virtual position.

Compensation:

• Pay: Hourly range of - commensurate with experience and qualifications. 
• Schedule: Full-time, full school year of 185 days.
• Benefits: Full benefits package, including health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. MPSERS provided retirement plan.
  • View a detailed breakdown of our benefits. View our insurance costs. 

ADA:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Ottawa Area ISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please visit oaisd.org for more information.