Special Education Associate

Job Description

Primary Purpose:

Help special education teacher provide for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of the certified teacher.

Education/Certification

High school diploma or GED, Valid Texas educational aide certificate, Must successfully pass MISD para test

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to work with children with disabilities

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment

Essential Job Functions:

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays   
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.
• Assist students with physical needs and personal care including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned.
• Accuracy – work is neat and correct and completes all work assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal or other administrative staff in which duties are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.

Professional Conduct:

• Maintain professional interactions with staff, parents, community and visitors.
• Demonstrate the ability to remain calm and withstand pressures.
• Demonstrate flexibility to change in routine and adapt quickly to changing situations.
• Demonstrates respect, courteous to peers and visitors and assists fellow workers willingly.
• Demonstrates principles of the Manor ISD People Experience.

Supervisory Responsibility: 

None

Equipment used:

Wheelchair lift, ramps, personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Working Conditions

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress

Work with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands:

Lifting (15-44 pounds)

Carrying (15-44 pounds)

Sitting

Standing

Bending/Stooping

Kneeling

Pushing/Pulling

Repetitive hand motions

Keyboarding/mouse

Speaking clearly

Hearing

Environmental Factors:

Work inside/outside

Exposure to noise

2025-06-12