SUMMARY: The prospective teacher will complete training through an IU-approved and PA-accepted teacher preparation program while on the job in the classroom. The Teacher Apprentice will assist the teacher in a special education classroom with daily academic and instructional activities. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Other duties may be assigned.

• Assists the instructor in implementing classroom procedures: including preparing materials, progress monitoring, grading, and monitoring students.
• Conduct behavioral modification under the direction of the Teacher/Social Worker Develop and maintain an environment that is non-threatening, safe, nurturing, and where the students and their families feel respected, accepted, and welcome
• Utilize a school-wide positive behavior system in the management of group and student behaviors
• Implement de-escalation techniques and physical interventions, in accordance with safety care certification competencies without restriction, to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment
• Communicate and work cooperatively with co-workers and students to meet student needs
• Assist teacher and social worker in developing and implementing behavioral modification system
• Assist with data collection and recordkeeping
• Assistance with the documentation of student, behavior, attendance, record maintenance, end-of-year reports, and other reports as required
• Attends meetings as directed by the program supervisor.
• Understand and adhere to all Intermediate Unit policies and procedures
• Adhere to legal and ethical standards in the provision of behavioral health and educational services
• Demonstrate cooperation and flexibility in performing other related duties as assigned
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Maintains student and/or program confidentiality
• Maintain enrollment in coursework and/or credentialing program to earn special education teacher certification
• Meets all coursework requisites, passing grades, and credentialing requirements to successfully continue in the program
• Implement de-escalation techniques and physical interventions, in accordance with safety care certification competencies, to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license and ability to drive without advanced notice

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The apprentice assists in the instruction of students individually or in small groups under the direct supervision of the classroom/program teacher.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• A high school diploma and proof of admission/enrollment for an associate degree pathway program resulting in PK-12 special education certification. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS:   

Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to staff, parents, students, and administrators.  

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:   

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret charts or graphs.

REASONING ABILITY:  

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.  Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Ability to work with exceptional students.  Ability to maintain composure under stressful conditions.   Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community.  Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.  Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district and Intermediate Unit requirements and Department of Education policies. Communicates all staff and parent inquiries for information to the teacher.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here 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 essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee is frequently required to bend at the neck more than the average person.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and peripheral vision.  The employee needs to be able to tell where a sound is coming from and hear in a noisy environment.  The paraprofessional will assist in the physical management of students. This may include the lifting of students and occasionally, physical restraint.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud.   The employee must work with students and other staff, continuously meeting multiple demands.  Occasionally, this work environment may be stressful. Behavioral self-control and a professional demeanor must be displayed at all times.