Aide: Special Education - Structured Learning at Del Valle Independent School District

Primary Purpose: 

Assist classroom teacher to provide for physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in special education setting. Assist  in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general  supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education/Certificate 

High School diploma or GED (Recognized by the Texas Education Agency or Regional Accrediting Agency) Valid Texas Educational Aide certificate 

NCLB Certification Required 

Crisis Prevention & Intervention certified (CPI), obtain within the first 90 days 

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by  employee. 

Knowledge/Skills: 

Ability to work with children with disabilities 

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions 

Ability to communicate effectively 

Knowledge of general office equipment 

Proficient skills in organization, typing, file maintenance, computers, and software programs, including word processing, spreadsheet,  database and graphics 

Experience: 

• Experience working with children 

Major Responsibilities and Duties: 

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list  of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.) 

Professionalism 

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct  toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community. 

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions  
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators  

Instructional Management 

The aide promotes improvement of instruction through activities such as the following: 

• Work with individual students or small student groups to conduct instructional activities and develop academic skills as  outlined by the teacher. 
• Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials, paperwork, and classroom displays. 
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers. 
• Assist teachers in implementing program objectives that support developmental, behavioral and academic student  performance.  
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students. 
• 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 the  classroom teacher. 

Classroom Management and Organization Improvement  

The aide works to improve the classroom, school or organization through activities such as the following: 

• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment. 
• Help the teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports. 
• Assist in managing student behavior, including crisis intervention, physical management of disruptive students and  inappropriate behaviors, as needed. 
• Assist with maintaining a safe, neat and orderly classroom.  

Communication and Community Relations 

The aide works to promote a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following: 

• Be a positive role model for students, support the mission of the District. 
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members. 
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.  

Professional Growth and Development 

The aide participates in professional growth and development through activities such as the following: 

• Attend any specified meetings or professional development.  

Qualities of an Effective Aide 

The aide exhibits qualities such as the following: 

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job. 
• Keep informed of and comply with state, District, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers. • Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other documents as required. 
• Correct unsafe conditions in work area that could cause an accident and inform supervisor of any conditions that are not  correctable immediately. 
• Shall comply with District policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations. 
• Shall comply with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies,  regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, and standards. 
• Maintain confidentiality. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• None 

Equipment: 

Wheelchair lift, ramp, computer, computer software programs and peripherals, teacher resource materials and audiovisual equipment,  adaptive equipment, oxygen gauges, laminating machine, printer, copier, fax and other equipment applicable to the position. 

Working Conditions 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors 

• Maintain emotional control under stress. 
• Work with frequent interruptions. 
• Work irregular and extended work hours
• Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing, lifting, and carrying (may lift and move textbooks and  classroom equipment). 
• May be required under specific circumstances to provide physical restraint of students in danger of causing harm to  themselves or others. 
• Occasional district wide and statewide travel. 
• Use computer for prolonged period resulting in repetitive hand motion. 
• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination vibration.  • Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects  or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces. 
• This program may require feeding, diapering, and caring of severely handicapped students. 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all  responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.