Instructional Assistant I (Special Education Aide) – Tolleson Union High School District – Tolleson, AZ

Purpose Statement
The job of Instructional Assistant I (Special Education Aide) is done for the purpose/s of assisting in the
supervision and instruction of special needs students under the supervision of a certificated teacher in a
special education classroom; assisting students in performing their academic studies, daily living and
special health care activities; observing and documenting student progress; and providing clerical support
to teacher.

Functions
Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials as directed for the purpose of providing an
opportunity for all special education students performing at different learning levels and/or with
different functional limitations to participate in instructional programs.

Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of
their work activities.

Assists students requiring support in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or
physical limitations (e.g. toileting, feeding, etc.) for the purpose of allowing students to function in
school environment.

Attends meetings and in-service presentations for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying
information relative to job functions.

Confers with teachers and parents if requested by teacher for the purpose of assisting in evaluating
special education student progress in relation to established individual educational program.

Implements under direction, behavioral plans developed by IEP team for students with behavior
disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of assisting students to modify behaviors that are in
conflict with a positive academic and social environment.

Instructs students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings (e.g. academic subjects,
social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives, implement
plans for remediation of students deficiencies in accordance with students individual educational
program goals and ensuring students success in school.

Maintains instructional materials and/or student files/records (e.g. adapting instructional materials,
student files, checking papers, attendance, audio visual equipment, set up art/science projects, etc.) for
the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.

Monitors students in various activities for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning
environment.

Performs record keeping and a variety of general clerical functions (e.g. student records, daily progress,
correcting papers, copying, instructional materials, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher in
providing necessary records/materials.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in
order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of
the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using
pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or
ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present
information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific
knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: instructional procedures
and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution;
and stages of child development/ behavior.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic,
job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances;
work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized
methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a
variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. In working with others, some problem solving may
be required to identify issues and select action plans. Problem solving with data may require
independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific abilities required
to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities;
communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working
with constant interruptions.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical
demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching,
and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 25%
walking, and 25% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and a
generally hazard free environment.

Education: Community College and/or Vocational School degree with study in job related area.
Experience: Job related experience is desired.