Position Title: Special Education Teaching Assistant
Location: Arlington Lower School
FLSA Status: Hourly
Compensation Type: Non-Exempt
Compensation Amount: Starting at $17.00 hourly
Distinctive benefits for Great Hearts faculty :
Exceptional Benefits (medical, dental, vision etc.) with minimal employee cost
Texas Teacher Retirement System
Uniquely valuable professional development offerings, from great books seminars with academy colleagues, to leadership and special education coursework/pathways, to reduced tuition graduate degree support with select partner universities
Position Summary: The Instructional Assistant is a non-certified assistant to the Special Education Program at the academy for both general education and special education resource classrooms. The assistant will work to support students in all settings on campus under the direction of and in collaboration with the certified Special Education teachers and General Education teachers. Additional duties may be included, depending on the experience and expertise of the candidate and the specific academy needs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Academic Support
Supports students in small groups or 1:1
Assist students with assignments, homework, projects
Understanding how to adapt materials and provide modifications to help students learn the material
Help students understand the classroom rules and reinforce the classroom rules
Behavior Support
Monitor student behavior to ensure safety and appropriate interactions.
Implement behavior management strategies
Assist students with developing social skills, appropriate interactions, and positive behaviors
Assist with de-escalating student behaviors and ask for support for General Education Teacher and Special Education Team Members as needed
Reinforces SDI concepts that have already been in effect
Additional Support
Help students with transitions and activities.
Support students with personal hygiene needs such as toileting, feeding, and dressing
Support students with mobility and adaptive equipment
Provides general clerical support for the ESS Team
Additional Duties
Attend meetings and training sessions
Help maintain a clean and organized work area
Provide a supportive and positive learning environment
Required/Preferred Education: High school degree or higher Ideally, candidates will hold an associate's degree or higher,
Required/Preferred Experience: Has experience in special education.
Required/Preferred Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills, and an interest in reading great books. Educational Aide certification I, II, or III preferred.
Physical Functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.
US work authorization is required
Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.
Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.
This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Skills Required
- High school degree or higher
- Associate's degree or higher
- Experience in special education
- Educational Aide certification I, II, or III
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Interest in reading Great Books
- US work authorization
- Successful completion of criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance
- Ability to perform physical functions (standing, sitting, bending, lifting up to 15 pounds)
- Ability to assist with personal hygiene (toileting, feeding, dressing) and support mobility/adaptive equipment
- Attend meetings and training sessions; local travel for professional development
What We Do
Great Hearts Academies is a nonprofit network of tuition-free public charter schools and private Christian schools offering classical liberal arts education across Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas with online offerings. Its mission is to cultivate students’ minds and hearts through the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, preparing them for higher education, professional careers, human flourishing, and academic excellence while fostering rigorous study and moral formation.
