Teacher Assistant - Independence, Missouri

This position offers a rewarding opportunity to work as an instructional assistant in a K-12 special education environment in Independence, MO. The role focuses on supporting students with disabilities across multiple school settings, providing hands-on assistance in classrooms designed to foster academic and social-emotional growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support students with disabilities in self-contained and small group settings from kindergarten through high school.
• Assist with instructional activities and functional skills development, including work skills such as cooking and classroom tasks.
• Implement behavior management strategies, including de-escalation techniques and physical assistance as needed.
• Provide mobility support by escorting students throughout the school buildings.
• Assist with personal care routines such as toileting, lifting, feeding, and mobility support.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to adapt learning materials and support individualized education plans (IEPs).

Qualifications:

• Experience working with children with disabilities in educational settings.
• Ability to manage behaviors, including episodes of aggression, using appropriate strategies.
• Physically able to assist with classroom mobility and occasional physical management.
• Medical assistance experience preferred for some positions.
• Must hold one of the following:
  • 60 college credit hours
  • Passed the ParaPro Assessment (before Sept 23, 2013)
  • Passed the Paraprofessional Assessment through Pearson (Sept 23, 2013–June 20, 2024)
  • Passed the ParaPro Assessment through ETS (after July 1, 2024)
  • Completed the 20-hour Substitute Certificate Course
• Missouri substitute certificate or para praxis required.

Location: Independence, MO (with assignments in local area schools, primarily Raytown).

Benefits:

• Contract position with consistent 35-hour work weeks.
• Engage in meaningful work supporting diverse learners across multiple grade levels.
• Opportunity to contribute to social/emotional learning programs and functional skills development.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with special needs and meet the qualifications listed, apply now to serve as a vital member of the instructional support team.