Instructional Assistant Special Education I - Resource

Mesa Public Schools is an award-winning district and voted Best Place to Work in Mesa. With over 9,000 employees, we are the largest school district in Arizona. Families have sent generations of students through our schools, as we are the premier educational choice in Arizona.

OVERVIEW

To assist, under direct supervision of certified teachers and specialists, in the monitoring and instruction of special education students implementing the Individual Education Plans; to assist students in performing their academic, daily living and health care activities; to relieve teacher of routine clerical tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s Degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the ParaPro Test provided by the district
• Ability and willingness to work with special education students who may require specialized instruction to meet academic, social, and behavior goals
• Ability to work well with students, staff and parents; good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well in stressful situations
• Computer proficiency to include use of basic software applications (Word, Excel, etc)
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Ability to organize and prioritize and to follow classroom guidelines as put forth by classroom teacher 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver, under teacher’s direction, classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, tutoring and guided practice
• Assist the development of instructional materials and maintenance of classroom
• Assist in the collection of data on academic and behavior goals as instructed
• Implement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors including verbal and physical aggression
• Respond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy
• Transfer and/or lift non-ambulatory students to assist them in the performance of their daily activities
• Assist students with personal hygiene to provide for and/or develop students’ daily living activities and behavioral skills
• May be occasionally required to assist students who need support in addressing personal care needs due to a severe medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e. toileting, feeding, dressing suctioning, etc) to ensure their functioning in a school environment
• Accompany students as they transition across campus
• Monitor individual and/or small student groups in classroom and/or on the playground to maintain a safe and positive learning environment; facilitate social peer interactions
• Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure a safe environment
• Model professional, safe, responsible and respectful behavior
• Perform general clerical tasks to support the teacher in the maintenance of student files and to provide classroom materials
• Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one’s skills and/or knowledge
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• May lift, pull, push or carry
• May stand for a prolonged period of time
• May move light weight furniture
• May be exposed to outdoor elements
• May require strength to push/pull 30-35 lbs
• May require physical intervention for students experiencing behavioral difficulties
• Physical demands may require assistance from other personnel

Supervision

Classroom Teacher

Site Administrator

Certified Specialists

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ORGANIZATION: The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or marital status.