Special Education Aide - Boston, Ma

Job Description
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Classroom Responsibilities
Guide and assist individual students (1:
1 support) and/or group of students with the requisite attention needed, which is separate from the general class
Under the direction of the Lead Teacher and/or Supervisor, complement classroom instruction to help maximize the learning opportunities for students on a caseload including, but not limited to:
Assist classroom teachers in creating curriculum modifications for specific students
Provide support to Lead Teachers, Residents, and/or Fellows by carrying out lesson plans and assisting with learning materials
Provide testing accommodations, including supervising students completing tests in a separate location or during an extended time
Review and correct student work assignments
Assist in the implementation of behavioral intervention plans which may involve use of positive reinforcement strategies, behavior modification, and other skills or knowledge to ensure safety and success for individual students
Assist individual students with self-advocacy about particular needs while in the classroom
Facilitate and support social interactions and foster the development of positive relationships between students on the caseload and their peers and teachers
Constantly assess progress, communicate results clearly, and use data to inform decisions and set goals
May physically assist with physical needs of students, as needed
School and Professional Responsibilities
Obtain required requirements for an Aide within one year of hire, which includes one of the following:
Associate’s Degree OR
48 college credit hours OR
Pass the ParaPro Assessment with a score of 464 with study resources and support from KIPP MA
Provide aide coverage and support to other classrooms and grade levels as needed
Be available for an extended workday, as needed, to support colleagues, students, and families outside of school hours
Perform necessary support duties including, but not limited to, coverage, bus, lunch, and dismissal duties
Collaborate with grade level teams to provide support, guidance, and advocacy concerning the students on the caseload
Dependable attendance according to our school calendar
Regional Responsibilities
Embody KIPP MA’s Code of Conduct by acting with integrity, leading with humanity, centering self-awareness and critical consciousness, taking personal responsibility, and engaging productively
Participate and engage in regional professional development and community events as required
Demonstrated ability to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and make reasonable judgments and decisions in a timely manner in accordance with the needs of the school
Self-awareness, flexibility and emotional intelligence to navigate a setting with students who express diverse needs
The consistent use of interpersonal and self-management skills to effectively support behavioral and emotional needs of students to ensure a safe and inclusive environment, as well as build relationships and manage conflict with students, staff, and caregivers
Effective communication skills to perform assigned duties and to meaningfully exchange information with students, staff, families and others in person, through written communication, in front of groups, and on virtual platforms
Physical mobility to move self in various positions in order to execute duties effectively, which may include kneeling, walking, pushing/pulling, squatting, twisting, turning, bending, stooping and reaching overhead
Physical strength sufficient to periodically lift and/or carry 20 pounds of materials or supplies and to physically restrain a student to keep from harming themself and/or others in an emergency situation
Manual dexterity sufficient to perform repetitive hand/wrist/arm motions and to operate a computer and office equipment
KIPP MA aides are supported in their demanding work by experienced and dedicated leadership and staff who have themselves proven successful in the teaching role. Our leaders maintain consistent school-wide systems and procedures - academic, behavioral, cultural, logistical - designed to permit aides to do their best work.
In addition to the responsibilities listed above, there will occasionally be other duties as assigned that aides will engage in to help promote a positive and safe learning environment and culture.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to attend to physical requirements of students may Include, but are not limited to:
Assisting with personal care (such as eating, bathroom use, personal hygiene) as needed
Mobility needs inside school buildings and outside (such as during recess) as needed
Ability to stand for extended periods of time
Ability to carry or lift items weighing up to 15 lbs or more, as needed
Physical/tactical restraint procedures, as needed
Ability and flexibility to shift in reaction to student need