Specialized Education Assistant Details

Specialized Education Assistant

Shelby County Schools - Memphis, TN

Employment Type : Full-Time

Purpose and Scope: Performs specialized work to assist the teacher in the achievement of teaching objectives while working with individual students, or small groups, for the improvement of skills and for increase in student learning. The position is responsible for working with students to reinforce the learning of skills introduced by the teacher; guiding independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work designed and assigned by the teacher; and helping maintain a well-organized, smoothly functioning learning environment in which students can benefit fully from the program of instruction and available resources. This position works under direct supervision according to set procedures. Essential Job Functions : 1. Provides instructional support to students in varied classroom settings (i.e., whole group, small group, and individual).
2. Assists students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
3. Guides students in independent study (e.g., enrichment work, remedial work, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring student success.
4. Attends required weeklong literacy intensive training to build specialized knowledge.
5. Attends required yearlong foundational skills training to build specialized knowledge of reading science and curriculum alignment.
6. Implements, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of assisting the teacher in improving students' academic success through a defined course of study.
7. Monitors assignments as students work and provides opportunities for immediate reteaching/reinforcing when misunderstandings of an assignment are detected.
8. Reinforces all knowledge and skills taught by the classroom teacher.
9. Reviews skills and assignments with students who have been absent and missed class work.
10. Consults frequently with classroom teachers on matters relating to reading instruction using the progress-monitoring instrument as a base.
11. Assists in preparing lesson plans, instructional materials, and other learning activities; operates and maintains equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes; utilizes technology to assist teachers and support students.
12. Administers tests, homework assignments, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the instructional process.
13. Attends staff meetings as required; participates in in-service training programs; keeps abreast of developments in areas of assignment.
14. Performs record keeping and clerical functions (e.g., scheduling, copying, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher and/or administrator in providing records/materials.
15. Assists in the general supervision of students in the halls, restrooms, playgrounds, or any other area of the school campus.
16. Encourages parent/community involvement in the instructional progress.
17. Follows directions of the principal, assistant principal and classroom teacher.
18. Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of supporting student academic achievement. Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s degree, or two (2) years of college (minimum of 48 semester hours), or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment Test and one (1) year of experience working with children in an educational setting preferred. Must possess or be able to obtain certification in CPR and First Aid. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of child growth and development, instructional procedures and practices applicable to assignment, instructional goals and policies of the District
• Knowledge of content and instructional practices to reinforce skills.
• Skills to perform single tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Ability to motivate and develop the interest of children.
• Ability to implement teachers' instructional plans in assigned field.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with children, young adults, and faculty members.
• Ability to assist with the implementation of an instructional program and to participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior.
• Ability to adapt to changing work priorities and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to follow school board policy, school rules and regulations as well as written and oral instructions and to perform all required task.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing in order to model good reading, writing and speaking skills for students.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment: Physical Demands: Requires sedentary work involving standing or walking for brief periods, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis; and some dexterity in operating office equipment.
Unavoidable Hazards: The position is exposed to no unusual environmental hazards.
Sensory (Ada) Requirements: The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking abilities. Additional Job Details: AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE MSCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MSCS provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. Please note that this is an at-will employment position created in connection with federal funds allocated to MSCS for purposes related to preventing, preparing for, and responding to COVID-19 which will be available to MSCS for a limited period of time. It is expected that this Position will exist through the end of the 2022-2023 school year.