Elementary Teacher Assistant

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Length of position: 9.5 monthsHours: 7:15 AM-4:00 PM Monday-Thursday and 7:15 AM-2:45 PM Friday **EXPECTED START DATE IS JANUARY 2024** GENERAL DESCRIPTIONAssists the teacher to provide for the instructional needs of deaf, hard of hearing students in the education and residential setting at TSD. Assists in the design and preparation of instructional materials for the classroom and assists the teacher with monitoring of students inside and outside the classroom and works with the student on an individual or small group basis. Works under the general supervision of the Department Head and immediate direction of the assigned Teacher(s).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSAssists teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays for student and instructor use.Assists with administration and scoring of objective testing instruments and work assignments.Participates in direct service planning in a team approach with Teachers and other departmental staff on established department committees and assists with lesson planning activity development.Helps teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.Provides orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.Assumes responsibility for the supervision and instruction of students in the absence of the Teacher.Conducts instructional exercises assigned by the teacher; works with individual students in small groups.Participates in student data collection, documentation, and interpretation.Keeps the teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.Assists students in dressing and daily activities.Assists students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning, and signing or interpreting instructions for them.Assists students with the physical needs and personal care including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.Escorts and monitor students to and from cottage, to and from cafeteria, and to and from classroom and daily activities.Guides students during meal time, teaching appropriate table and cafeteria manners.Implements code of conduct and behavior management plans written for individual students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior using the TSD preferred method, the Mandt System, as needed.Assumes responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.Works with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.Helps supervise students throughout the school day; inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, cottage, work training area, bus, playground, field trips, and community,Keeps teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.Accompanies students on bus routes and ensure that they are secure in seats and accompany students to/from the classroomIntervenes with students as appropriate and reports discipline problems to the supervisors.Acts as an advocate for students.Completes written behavior reports when necessary.Other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREDGraduation from a standard senior high school or equivalentEducational Aide Certificate issued by the Texas Education Agency or the ability to obtain a valid Educational Aide certificate within 60 days of hire as required by 19 TAC 230.51.Experience in child care work or training in a child-related fieldSign Language: At hire, the applicant must have sign language skills equivalent to a Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) level of ADVANCED.

When applying, the applicant must submit documentation that the applicant believes substantiates that the applicant has achieved the proficiency level required at hire. QUALIFICATIONS DESIREDProficient signed communications skillsBA degree in Recreation, Education, Physical Education, Child Development, or a related fieldExperience at a residential school for the deaf or another residential childcare facilityExperience in teaching and caring for youth who are deaf, hard of hearing, or possess multiple disabilities KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES/ATTRIBUTESInstructional Knowledge- knowledge of content; instructional methodologies, classroom managementProblem solving-the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.Effective Communication-the individual must be able to appropriately communicate with colleagues, students, parents, families, administrators, supervisors, and the public.Planning/organizing-the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action plans.Quality control-the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.Dependability-the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.Safety and security-the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.SUPERVISORElementary Principal Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) Code: None equivalent It is the Texas School for the Deaf's (TSD) policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or belief, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. TSD expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Retaliation against individuals who oppose unlawful discrimination or participate in an employment discrimination proceeding is also prohibited. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, training, wages, and benefits. In addition to federal law requirements, TSD complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.