A Teacher Assistant assists classroom teachers by providing extra individual attention and instruction to students. Helps teachers with recordkeeping, preparation for lessons and activities and supervising students. May work with special education students, or work in a school library or computer lab; may be called teacher aide or paraprofessional.
The Long-Term Substitute provides instructional and behavioral support to a student with autism receiving special education services. Working collaboratively with the general education teacher, special education teacher, behavior specialists, related service providers, and administration, the substitute implements individualized instructional programming, provides access to grade-level general education curriculum, and implements positive behavior support plans to ensure the student's safety, engagement, inclusion, and educational progress. The successful candidate will demonstrate patience, consistency, flexibility, and a commitment to creating a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment while maintaining the dignity and respect of the student.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Collaborate daily with general education teachers to plan for and support the student's meaningful participation in grade-level instruction and classroom activities. Deliver and reinforce general education instruction, utilizing accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction as outlined in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Provide daily instructional support consistent with the student's IEP and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). Implement teacher-developed lesson plans and instructional activities in both general education and special education settings. Facilitate the student's access to grade-level curriculum while promoting independence and active engagement. Establish and maintain predictable routines that support student success. Implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) with fidelity. Utilize evidence-based practices for students with autism, including visual supports, structured teaching strategies, reinforcement systems, prompting, and de-escalation techniques. Maintain a calm, supportive, and professional demeanor during challenging behaviors. Respond appropriately to behavioral crises using district-approved crisis prevention and intervention procedures. Assist in maintaining the physical safety of the student, peers, and staff when unsafe behaviors occur. Collect academic and behavioral data to monitor student progress and communicate regularly with the educational team. Collaborate regularly with general education teachers, special education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families to ensure instructional continuity and implementation of the student's educational program. Support communication development, social interaction, and participation in classroom routines throughout the school day. Supervise the student during classroom instruction, transitions, lunch, recess, specials, field trips, and other school activities. Maintain confidentiality regarding student information in accordance with federal and state laws. Participate in required professional learning related to autism, inclusive instructional practices, behavior supports, and crisis prevention. ? Ensure the safety and well-being of all students by executing school emergency procedures and protocols effectively during drills and real emergencies. Complete district required training, CPI training (if required). Perform other duties as assigned by the administrator.
Qualifications:
Must possess a valid Iowa; teaching license or valid substitute teaching license Previous successful substitute experience is preferred but not required
Physical Requirements:
Bending, carrying, climbing, driving, lifting, pushing/pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, walking. The Fort Madison Community School District is an EEO/AA employer. Fort Madison Community School District requires background check to be completed before hiring.
