Teaching Assistant - Special Education - Powell Valley Elementary School

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.