Exceptional Children's Teacher Assistant - Academy at Middle Fork (Winston-Salem, NC)

About the job

Working Title

Exceptional Children's Teacher Assistant - Academy at Middle Fork (Winston-Salem, NC)

Not Eligible for Visa Sponsorship

VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S

Primary Purpose of Position

The University of North Carolina System Laboratory School initiative was established by the North Carolina General Assembly to provide enhanced educational programming to improve student performance and to plan demonstration sites for the preparation of future teachers and school administrators. Appalachian State University operates the App State Academy at Middle Fork.

This position provides instructional, behavioral, and personal assistance to students served by Exceptional Children services under the direction and supervision of certified Exceptional Children Teachers. This includes assisting students with academic tasks, behavior regulation, and activities of daily living such as eating, toileting, grooming, dressing, transferring, mobility, and positioning. The position also includes performing technical and clerical tasks that support the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and the overall goals of the Exceptional Children’s Program.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Diplomas or degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Essential Job Functions

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Model and meet the expectations of the Portrait of a Lab School Team Member.

• Support students during whole group, small group, and individual instruction across academic, social, and functional areas.

• Assist the EC teacher with implementing specially designed instruction, accommodations, and modifications as outlined in students’ IEPs.

• Support students with physical needs, which may include daily living skills and personal hygiene (e.g., toileting, feeding, dressing, grooming) as well as mobility and accessibility support.

• Assist in the delivery and evaluation of instruction under the guidance of a certified EC teacher.

• Provide physical, emotional, and academic support to students with a range of disabilities, including fine and gross motor skills.

• Assist students with movement and transitions within the classroom, throughout the school, and on school-related field trips.

• Communicate regularly with teachers about students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical needs.

• Support classroom teachers by assisting students to remain on task to complete in-class assignments.

• Lead or support small-group and individual instruction.

• Collaborate with EC teachers and other staff members to support the MTSS process, including behavior tracking, communication logs, and/or daily documentation.

• Maintain effective classroom management that recognizes and addresses high-level learning and behavior needs

• Respond promptly and effectively manage and/or assist with the intervention and support of students exhibiting high-level behavioral needs.

• Respond promptly and appropriately to challenging student behaviors, including physical and verbal escalations.

• Implement individualized behavior support plans with fidelity under the guidance of special education and behavior staff.

• Use proactive strategies to prevent escalation and maintain a positive classroom climate.

• Apply de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques as needed (required training provided if needed).

• Perform general housekeeping duties in maintaining an orderly classroom

• Share in responsibility for student supervision throughout the school day in all areas of the school.

• Supervise students as required for morning duties, schoolwide recess, lunch periods, and afternoon dismissal.

• Maintain positive and constructive communication with students and families.

• Adhere to staff expectations and handbooks.

• Maintain appropriate work habits, including regular and punctual attendance and appropriate use of conference and planning time.

• Respect the confidentiality of records and information regarding students, families, and teachers in accordance with accepted professional ethics and state and federal laws.

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal education laws and policies.

• Treat all students in a fair and equal manner.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

• Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well-being of students

• Ability to motivate students

• Strong time management skills

• Strong command of behavior management skills

• Ability to maintain a clean and orderly learning environment

• Effective interpersonal skills that would promote meaningful communication with students, families, and the community

• Commitment to meeting the needs of a diverse student population

• Commitment to being a team player

• Commitment to professional learning and development

• Commitment to a growth mindset for all students

• Commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment for students

• Commitment to ensuring confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or Four-year degree

• CPR certified

• Previous experience working with students with special needs

• Previous experience working in a school setting

Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties.

Communication – Verbal

• Support students during whole group, small group, and individual instruction across academic, social, and functional areas.

• Assist in the delivery and evaluation of instruction under the guidance of a certified EC teacher.

• Communicate regularly with teachers about students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical needs.

• Maintain positive and constructive communication with students and families

Problem Solving

• Assist the EC teacher with implementing specially designed instruction, accommodations, and modifications as outlined in students’ IEPs.

• Implement individualized behavior support plans with fidelity under the guidance of special education and behavior staff.

• Use proactive strategies to prevent escalation and maintain a positive classroom climate.

Communication – Written

• Communicate regularly with teachers about students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical needs.

• Maintain positive and constructive communication with students and families

Knowledge-Program

• Model and meet the expectations of the Portrait of a Lab School Team Member.

• Assist the EC teacher with implementing specially designed instruction, accommodations, and modifications as outlined in students’ IEPs.

• Maintain effective classroom management that recognizes and addresses high-level learning and behavior needs

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal education laws and policies.

Work Schedule/Hours

Mon-Fri, 7:15 am-3:15 pm, occasionally evenings and weekends

Physical Demands of Position

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments. This work requires frequent standing, sitting, walking, bending, and lifting a minimum of 50 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Competency Level Statement

Management will only consider applicants who meet the required competencies.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach the following documents:

• Resume

• List of 3 professional references with contact information included

Consider applying for our Exceptional Children’s Personal Assistant position – https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/56804