Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant at McDole. This full-time position involves providing personalized support to a student with unique learning needs, fostering an inclusive and positive educational environment. The ideal candidate will work closely with the student, teachers, and other staff to enhance the student's learning experience and promote their academic and social development.

Responsibilities
- Provide individualized support to the assigned student in academic tasks, helping them understand and engage with the curriculum.
- Assist the student in developing social skills and emotional regulation, encouraging positive interactions with peers.
- Collaborate with teachers to adapt lesson plans and instructional materials to meet the specific needs of the student.
- Monitor the student’s progress and behavior, maintaining accurate records and reporting to teachers and parents as needed.
- Implement strategies and interventions as outlined in the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
- Create a safe and supportive learning environment that fosters independence and self-confidence.
- Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge related to special education and student support.
- Communicate effectively with parents, teachers, and other staff members to ensure a cohesive approach to the student's education.
- Assist with classroom management and support the overall learning environment for all students.

Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent; additional education in education, special education, or a related field is preferred.
- Previous experience working with children, particularly those with special needs, is highly desirable.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students and staff.
- Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for helping students succeed.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and take direction from teachers and specialists.
- Basic understanding of instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Ability to adapt to various learning styles and modify approaches as needed.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
- First Aid and CPR certification is a plus.

Please see the attached Job Description for additional information.

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Teaching Assistant (TA)
Job Description
Reports to: Executive Director or Assistant Directors
Contract Length & Wage Status: 10 months with an annual salary based on the MVSEA salary schedule
Qualifications/Previous Experience:
● High School Diploma or Equivalent
● Illinois Licensure: Paraprofessional or Substitute
● Experience working with children with a wide range of abilities
● Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Key Responsibilities:
● Reinforce appropriate student behavior and promote student interests and abilities to contribute to a
positive instructional/learning environment.
● Be aware of student health care needs, medical services plans, interventions, and emergency
response.
● Assist the teacher(s) in instructional activities, assistive technology use, and supervision of students,
as requested.
● Monitor the progress of students as directed.
● Implements classroom and behavior management routines for students in alignment with program
expectations, as directed
● Be aware of student educational and behavioral goals, and gather data as directed
● Assist students in developing age-appropriate social skills and behaviors relating to peers and adults
● Maintain a positive working relationship with teachers and program administrators
● Provide clerical support to the classroom team as needed
Professionalism:
● Works cooperatively with administrators, consultants, community members, district liaisons and
team members
● Provides feedback and effectively communicates with students and parents
● Follows Board of Education, district, and building guidelines and procedures
● Maintains a high level of integrity, fairness, ethical behavior, and confidentiality of information
regarding students, personnel, and all job-related matters
● Punctual, dependable & dedicated to providing a high-quality program
● Demonstrates flexibility and teamwork by completing other tasks as assigned
Updated May 1, 2025

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Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computers and peripherals
Posture: Frequent sitting and standing, bending/stooping, transitioning from floor to standing,
pushing, pulling, and twisting
Vision: The abilities required for this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision,
peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
Motion: Frequent movement throughout the work environment, repetitive hand motions, frequent
keyboarding, use of a mouse, and occasional reaching
Lifting: Ability to lift up to 35 pounds
Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours
Mental Demands: Ability to solve complex problems in situations where only limited standardization
exists; ability to interpret instructions provided in written and oral form; ability to work with frequent
interruptions and maintain emotional control under stress.
*The mental demands, physical demands, and work environment characteristics are representative of those
an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable an employee with a disability to perform the essential functions.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all
responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Permanent Substitute Teachers will be evaluated annually for potential placement as classroom special
education teachers as openings occur.
Staff Signature:_______________________________________ Date: __________________
Updated May 1, 2025

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