The Teaching Assistant will be responsible for supporting the teacher who is teaching students who may demonstrate academic, behavioral, and/or social deficits. Teaching all academic subjects and life skills, modifying when necessary to meet the individual needs of students.
Duties and responsibilities
- Support the teacher in utilizing appropriate methodologies such as Applied Behavior Analysis, Collaborative Problem Solving, or other effective strategies that prioritize the student’s needs.
- Create a positive, authentic learning environment by displaying student work and projects.
- Maintain a consistent and safe classroom environment for students.
- Assist the teacher in planning and executing lessons tailored to individual student needs and appropriate group lessons.
- Modify materials as needed to ensure effective student learning.
- Keep accurate student records, including relevant information in each student's binder and writing annual reports as per guidelines.
- Implement and support Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) for each student.
- Administer assessments to track student progress and identify areas of concern.
- Collaborate with professionals, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and others to support a team-based approach.
- Promote student health, safety, and social interaction with peers.
- Participate in required training, team meetings, community activities, and school events.
- Communicate regularly with supervisors regarding classroom dynamics and student development.
- Complete daily attendance reports and supervise students during bathroom and mealtime activities, including cleaning and assisting with hygiene tasks.
- Support the overall classroom environment by ensuring cleanliness, including sweeping floors and cleaning counters, shelves, refrigerators, and microwaves.
- Attend all required staff meetings, workshops, and open houses.
- Assign staff to students each morning and check daily data collection each afternoon.
- Other, as assigned by administration.
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree preferred
- Prior experience as a Teaching Assistant is required
- Teaching Assistant Skills Test (ATAS) a plus
- Experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum preferred
Working conditions
- Location: Issaquah, Washington (Pine Lake)
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:45 PM
- Occasional before- and after-school work hours at the discretion of the administrative staff
- School/classroom setting
Physical requirements
- Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures.
- Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
- Ability to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
- Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
- Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
- Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
- Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
- Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations
For over 30 years, Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. Serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, our network of K-12 schools provides personalized education tailored to each student’s unique learning style. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services—speech, physical, occupational therapy, and more—along with vocational training for older students. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
At Gersh Autism, we are committed to helping individuals on the autism spectrum lead fulfilling, independent lives.