Job Summary:
Do you believe that the right support, encouragement, and educational opportunities can change a student's future? As a Special Education Teacher Assistant, you will play an important role in helping students with diverse learning needs build knowledge, develop essential skills, and experience success in the classroom. In this hands-on instructional position, you will provide individualized, small-group, and whole class instruction, implement academic and behavioral plans to support meaningful student growth. Working under the guidance of the Special Education leadership team, you will help create a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to build confidence, strengthen their abilities, and celebrate their progress. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day by bringing patience, creativity, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to student learning. At ELI, your work goes beyond instruction - you help students build the skills and confidence they need to reach their fullest potential.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Provide direct instructional support to students through small group, whole class and individualized teaching activities aligned with state standard and IEP goals.
- Deliver instruction across core academic, social emotional/behavioral, and functional programming.
- Implementation of IEPs, BIPs, and instructional strategies in classroom settings as well as support in the development of these and related documents.
- Monitor, document, record, and report student progress and provide feedback to the instructional team.
- Support classroom instruction, transitions, and structured learning activities to maintain engagement and safety.
- Reinforce positive behavior supports and assist with de-escalation when necessary.
- Maintain a structured, safe, and supportive learning environment.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to build rapport with students and support a positive learning environment.
- Ability to follow instructions, classroom plans, safety procedures, and crisis protocols.
- Patience, flexibility, and a team-centered mindset.
- Ability to remain calm and supportive during student escalations.
- Basic technology and documentation skills (email, student notes, digital platforms, etc.).
- Must obtain and maintain valid First Aid and CPR certifications for both children and adults as a condition of employment.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required preferably in Education or related field.
- Valid Washington State Teaching License preferred; Special Education endorsement strongly preferred.
- Prior experience working with K12 students. Preference to working with students with disabilities.
- Training in special education, ABA, behavioral support, CPI, or similar fields is a plus.
- Must meet state/federal background check requirements.