Instructional Assistant: Special Education

MISSION

Global Preparatory Academy develops compassionate global leaders through a rigorous education program that focuses on hands-on, cultural and Spanish immersion learning opportunities.

SUMMARY

GPA uses both English and Spanish to instruct students in all core content areas. As a dual language and project based school, we connect students from diverse linguistic backgrounds and educate them together in a highly rigorous, engaging and nurturing environment. Students will develop a deep value and understanding of other cultures. Through two-way immersion (TWI) in English and Spanish, students in the dual language program will affirm the values of their own cultures while acquiring an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. We are committed to providing relevant instruction pushing our students to be critical thinkers and change makers in an ever-changing world.

JOB SUMMARY

The person in this position is responsible for following the direction of the Lead Teacher in the self-contained special education classroom.  The employee will provide support through collaboration on instructional needs, preparation of materials, assisting in student health-care needs, and following student IEPs. Ideal candidates possess experience in the field of special education working with students with disabilities; an understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder; and a growth mindset that will promote student achievement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain confidentiality of student information
• Monitor students during assigned times such as arrival, lunch, recess, and dismissal
• Assist in classroom instruction under the direction of the ASD/Lifeskills Lead Teacher using a variety of techniques such as phonetics, multi-sensory learning, and repetition to reinforce learning, improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory and to meet students’ varying needs and interests.
• Implement Behavioral Intervention plans (BIPs) as written in the IEP
• Record and summarize data as directed
• Maintain daily communication with the ASD/Lifeskills Lead Teacher
• Assist in documentation for accurate and complete student records for the preparation of reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Confer with the ASD/Lifeskills Lead Teacher in order to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) designed to promote students’ educational, physical, and social/emotional development.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Previous experience with children or students with special needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and understand individual students’ needs
• Ability to accurately record and summarize data as directed by the special education teacher
• Willingness to participate in pre- and ongoing training programs
• Flexibility in working within a classroom setting of students with a variety of academic and physical needs; the understanding that early intervention, school, staff, and parental partnership is crucial to student success; and that students’ dignity is prioritized.
• Ability to provide assistance in positive behavioral and academic support to students in a group and in an individual setting; completes observations and reports pertaining to learning behaviors of students; displays the ability to work effectively with administrators, lead teacher, colleagues, central office and school based staff, students, parents and community members.
• Ability to safely lift students if necessary (all students over 40 pounds are a 2-person lift).
• High expectations for ALL students regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic background or language barrier.
• Overall, the ideal candidate possesses excellent human relations skills and a working knowledge of the English language in written and verbal form.
• Spanish speaking and written language skills are preferred, but not required, for this position.