One-to-One Teacher Assistant

South Kingstown Schools is an excellent place for educators seeking to work in an environment where their skills and abilities are supported, innovation and creativity are honored, and teachers and leaders are committed to a vision of high expectations for all. The district seeks a highly qualified and knowledgeable 1:1 Teaching Assistant to join our community of practitioners. This is an exciting opportunity for an educator who wishes to serve in a school community committed to excellence, closing the achievement gap, equity, and a commitment to a love of learning. Job Goals: To provide 1:1 instructional, physical, social-emotional, behavioral, and other direct support and services to a student with disabilities under the supervision and direction of certified staff. Assists the instructional staff in implementing plans and programs related to the academic or a specialized area to which assigned; performs various non-instructional tasks in direct support of the teaching-learning process. Assists in supervising the students in the classroom and in various locations on the school grounds. The job involves working directly with one student individually or in small groups to reinforce subjects introduced by the teacher, in addition to working with the school staff to create an educational environment that meets the needs of the preferred student by providing instructional assistance, classroom support, and other direct services to the student. The work of the 1:1 is planned and implemented under the direction of the classroom, Program Teacher, or service provider. Reports To: Classroom or Program Teacher/Building Administration EDUCATION TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or general equivalency or Associate’s Degree or higher CERTIFICATE/LICENSE REQUIRED: Successfully pass the ParaPro Assessment OR Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education OR Completion of a Teacher Assistant Pre-Employment Training Program approved by the RI Department of Education (RIDE) or obtain an Associate’s Degree or higher Any combination of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by (an) individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities related to the position. This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessities and School Committee Policy and procedures. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification. Essential Duties: 1.Support and supervise the arrival, dismissal, lunch, and recess of the preferred student(s) as assigned by the building principal 2.Organizes materials for each group/student; set up learning stations and activity centers. Supervises student(s) while working; assists student(s) having difficulty 3.Support the preferred student(s) in gaining academic and functional skills under the supervision of the classroom/program teacher(s) 4.Works directly with the preferred student individually or in small groups to reinforce subjects initially introduced by the teacher 5.Support in collecting data to monitor student growth and skill development 6.Support in de-escalation of student(s) during a crisis situation 7.Assists student(s) with physical tasks and daily living skills such as eating and drinking, putting on and taking off outerwear, moving from room to room, using the bathroom, washing hands, and changing diapers; Support student(s) with personal care needs 8.Provide job coaching for student(s) age 14 who participate in community-based placements* 9.Perform other duties as assigned by the building administrator (as needed) 10.Participate in district-offered professional development opportunities 11.Follow and implement Behavior Intervention Plans and Health Care Plans when applicable 12.Reinforces rules of the school and learning environment; acknowledges and encourages appropriate behavior and distinguishes inappropriate behavior for the student's understanding 13.Assists teachers in supervising learning activities, circulating within the classroom, and providing student assistance and learning support (as needed) 14.Maintains Safety Cares certification 15.Completes Medicaid logs as directed for individual student 16.Perform duties as assigned by the principal or designee District Offered Professional Development: The district will provide train in the following: ●de-escalation strategies ●the use of educational technologies ●evidence-based math and literacy interventions ●specialized curriculum for students with disabilities (as needed) ●job coaching (as needed) To that end, all 1:1 Teaching Assistants must complete the online BRIDGE-RI courses to exhibit awareness of the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy. Ability to: 1. Maintain confidentiality 2. Work with children in a sensitive and effective manner 3. Analyze, communicate, and use interpersonal skills. 4. Readily learn assigned duties and adhere to classroom/student procedures 5. Maintain accurate and complete records and files required by law, district policy, and procedures. 6. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 7. Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures. 8. Operate office/school equipment. 9. Work as a collegial partner with other professionals 10. Consistently follow established procedures and protocols 11. Implement SafetyCares techniques after appropriate training when required 12. Implement behavior management techniques after appropriate training (when required) 13. Implement Job Coaching after appropriate training (when required) 12. Take initiative and be proactive 13. Understand specific disabilities of the students with whom the employee will be working 15. Exhibits interpersonal skills with students and adults to help create and maintain a positive learning environment. Dispositions: ●Willingness to learn and implement instructional methods, strategies, and techniques to assist teachers in the education of students ●Ability to exercise considerable patience, courtesy, tact, and good judgment in working with students, teachers, administrators, fellow employees, and parents ●Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations ●Ability to employ a variety of teaching styles to respond to the needs of diverse learners ●Ability to employ technology tools (e.g., email, educational apps) ●Establishes a supportive relationship with students with disabilities or without while fostering student independence ●Uses effective communication skills with families, students, and colleagues (spoken, written, and non-verbal) ●Exhibits attributes of reliable attendance, promptness, dependability, and professional ethics Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination South Kingstown Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment based on race, color, age, disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status. In addition, the school district does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work. The Title IX Senior Administrator is Raquel Pellerin, South Kingstown Public Schools, 307 Curtis Corner Road, Wakefield, Rhode Island 02879. 401-360-1300.