Primary Purpose:

The role of the STEM PALS special education aide is to help the special education teacher provide for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting. The aide will assist in the implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instructional programs under the general supervision of the principal and the immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

• High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate

Highly-Qualified Status

• Attend the free AISD Paraprofessional Academy once hired or;

• Associate’s degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning

• State Paraprofessional Certification (recommended)

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, science, social studies and mathematics

• Comfort using (or willingness to learn) educational technology

• Ability to work well with children

• Ability to communicate effectively

• Ability to work cooperatively with others and maintain a positive attitude in the work environment

• Ability to use good judgment in problem-solving and decision-making 

• Use time productively

• Ability to follow district policies and procedures

• Ability to accept supervisory direction and desire to improve job skills

• Ability to demonstrate tact, courtesy and helpfulness in dealing with staff, students, parents, and visitors to the school

• Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic educational environment

STEM Instructional Support

• Ability to assist in implementing Project Based Learning and the Engineering Design Process

• Ability to assist in hands-on, inquiry based experiences that promote problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration

• Adjust to meet the evolving demands of STEM education. 

• Contribute to culture, climate, and environment that values collaboration.

• Facilitate student participation in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch modules under teacher direction.

Experience

• Experience working with children preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Support board and administrative policies and decisions.

• Maintain professional work environment through a positive attitude, punctuality, regular attendance, phone etiquette, and personal appearance.

• Actively collaborate with colleagues. 

General

• Assist the teacher in the preparation of instructional materials and classroom displays.

• Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom.

• Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.

• Assist the teacher with administrative records and preparing required reports.

• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.

• Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, toileting, diapering, and personal hygiene.

• Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.

• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.

• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.

• Assist with the supervision of students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.

• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality

• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal/designee

Supervisory Responsibilities: Students

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools and Equipment: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals, Promethean panel, standard instructional equipment, copier, printer, phone

• Software: Student Information System, Google applications

• Physical Demands: Prolonged standing, frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting, frequent walking, regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds), may lift and move text books and classroom equipment, occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior (if trained), occasional keyboarding and use of mouse

• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress, work with frequent interruptions

• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather), regular exposure to noise, occasional districtwide travel, biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases

Pay Grade: Clerical/Paraprofessional - 3

Stipend: STEM implementation year stipend

The Abilene ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, and abilities.

The foregoing statements describe the general role and responsibilities assigned to this job.  I understand this is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned; other duties may be assigned as needed.