Ex Ed Educational Assistant - Pre K

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits.  We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County. 

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

The purpose of this job is to provide teaching assistance under the direction of a licensed teacher in the implementation of Individual Education Programs for students with disabilities in classrooms or as otherwise needed.

Nolan Elementary School is a high achieving PK-5 community school with robust related arts enrichment programming located on Signal Mountain, TN.  Nolan was recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School for exemplary achievement, a 2022-2024 National PTA School of Excellence, and was awarded the 2023 TN Governor's Civil Seal. Nolan has been designated as a state of Tennessee Reward School three out of the last six years. Nolan offers extensive special education programing, advanced studies, and additional supports throughout the school day including reading and math tutors and interventionists to ensure students have every opportunity to experience success. 

Nolan has an active volunteer base through its thriving PTA and is in a community that rallies resources for students and staff through the Mountain Education Foundation (MEF). Related arts classes: visual arts, physical education, music, STEM, musical movement, technology, library and guidance are well funded through a partnership with the MEF. Additionally, MEF and PTA encourage and support teachers by providing additional funding for educational resources, and volunteers actively give their time and talents to the school house. Nolan's rich traditions include a daily Nolan Character Pledge and the Nolan Song. We hold character education in high regard and have two counselors, a social worker, and student success coach to focus on the hearts, emotional well-being, and character development of our students. Nolan offers before and after school clubs sponsored by staff for an additional stipend such as academic quiz bowl for math, history & geography, art, creative writing, handbells, drama, chorus, STEM, cross country, & go-kart. Student leaders serve as Kindness Ambassadors, Student Council Representatives, Safety Patrol, and Recycling Leaders. 

We are looking for enthusiastic applicants who are eager to join a team where a creative and caring environment will enable all children to become successful, independent, and lifelong learners, as well as a supportive work environment where colleagues are friendly, helpful, and enjoy coming to work each day. We have a Nolan induction specialist and mentors for new-to-Nolan staff. At Nolan, we value shared leadership, and every staff member is seen as a leader.

• Provides educational assistance to students with disabilities; assists in preparing, modifying, and utilizing instructional materials to meet individual needs of students; assists with development and implementation of Individual Education Program for each student; assists with the data collection and progress monitoring  of student’s physical, communication, social/emotional, and educational levels of development; uses special educational strategies and techniques to address students’ academic needs.
• Provides physical assistance, including but not limited to toileting, positioning, lifting, carrying, feeding, personal hygiene, or other assistance as determined by specific student needs, to any student with disabilities based on a student’s Individual Education Program. 
• Oversees, monitors, or covers classes during the short term absence of the teacher. 
• Assists teacher and works with students during various class activities; prepares instructional materials for classroom use; assists with instructional and assistive technology, 
• Assists with data collection and progress monitoring used to evaluate student performance and skill levels;
• Follows established procedures for ensuring students are safe. 
• Performs clerical tasks in support of teaching activities, office operations, and/or other school functions.
• Responds appropriately to students’ inappropriate behavior(s).  Must be willing to be trained as needed and maintain certification in non-violent positive behavioral interventions and support methods to respond to, diffuse, de-escalate, and control aggressive behavior utilizing physical restraint as appropriate. 
• Assists students and models appropriate social and professional behaviors during community experience or work based learning. 
• Chaperones students on field trips occurring during the regular school day only. 
• Performs tasks requiring reading, handwriting, numeracy, oral and written communication skills, and the use of various equipment and technology in support of teacher responsibilities to assure compliance under the IDEA and to implement student IEP’s.
• Demonstrates basic sign language acquisition, communication facilitation competencies, and Brailing skills as needed. 
• Communicates with supervisors, school officials, teachers, students, parents, vendors, the community, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities under the direction of administration or special education teacher/supervisor.
• Attends staff meetings, parent meetings, IEP-Team meetings, or other meetings as required.
• Follows established procedures to ensure assigned areas are safe.
• Works collaboratively with supervisor, administrators, employees, students, and other stakeholders.
• Attends work regularly and arrives to work in a timely fashion.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
• Other responsibilities may include lifting, transferring, and positioning students with physical support needs; appropriate use of assistive technology; feeding/oral-motor interventions; signing; Brailing instructional materials; augmentative systems; etc.
• NOTE: Classification as Grade 6 or 7 will be determined annually by the Exceptional Education Department in collaboration with Human Resources based on student numbers and severity of handicapping conditions. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required; basic technology skills required; general office/clerical experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Has knowledge and skills to support the PreK-12 general curriculum.   Must possess one of the following before reporting to work: (1) 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours; (2) An Associate’s degree or higher; (3) passing score on PRAXIS for Parapro Exam. One year of experience working with students with disabilities preferred.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Ability to learn and implement a variety of teaching strategies.
• Demonstrate proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students who have a variety of disabilities.

Compensation:
Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.
Grade C
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