The Exceptional Education Assistant provides instructional support to students with disabilities under teacher supervision, including implementing accommodations, preparing materials, and assisting with direct instruction in group or one-on-one settings. Responsibilities also involve documenting student progress, assisting with health care needs, and supporting classroom order and operations.
Requirements summary
Applicants must meet one of three criteria
hold an associate’s degree or higher, have two years of college coursework totaling 48 hours, or pass the ETS Para-Pro Assessment. Preferred qualifications include job-related experience, and desired characteristics involve being adaptable, a self-starter, and believing in the organization's mission.
associate degreeCommunicationDocumentationAdaptabilityRecord KeepingGoal SettingBehavior ManagementStudent SupervisionRapport BuildingSelf-StarterPersonal Care AssistanceInstructional SupportMaterial PreparationIEP ImplementationHealth Care SupportAmbiguity Tolerance
ExEd Assistant provided support to the instructional program within assigned educational settings with specific responsibilities involving supervision and instruction of special needs students. Tasks may include: observing, documenting student progress, implementing plans for instruction and/or behavior, provide support with health care needs.
Major performance responsibilities and duties
Classroom Support
Assist in the instruction of students with disabilities under the direct supervision of a fully certified teacher in group settings or one to one assistance
Prepare materials for various levels of instruction and across content in collaboration with the teacher
Implementation of accommodations and/or modifications in accordance to student’s IEP
Assist with the provided supplemental and follow up activities to instructional content and materials
Assist in communication to staff, students, and parents/guardians including but not limited to parent/guardian conferences, IEP meetings, and phone communication
Maintain good rapport with students and adults including classroom teachers, coordinators, and parents/guardians
Maximize student interaction by providing opportunities to participate in instruction with their peers
Assist with the provided appropriate modifications and accommodations to ensure success
Attend meeting and in-service professional development (CPI, emergency procedures, behavior managements, etc…) for the purpose of acquiring skills related to job functions.
With proper training/support, assist students with personal care needs including but not limited to: toileting (including diaper changing), dressing, feeding (excludes tube feeding), opening food packages, lifting and physical movement
Other Duties
Assist with maintaining order by enforcing school behavior expectations, classroom rules, and student behavior intervention plans
Assist with operation within the classroom: equipment, classroom record keeping, computers, LCD projector, etc.
Perform and assist other related duties as assigned by supervisor
Benefits
Full Benefits
Qualifications
Required
Applicants must meet at least one of the following
Hold an associate’s degree or higher; OR
Have an equivalent of two years of college coursework totaling 48 hours at an accredited institution of higher learning; OR
Pass the Education Testing Service (ETS) Para-Pro Assessment
Preferred
• Job-related experience
Other Qualifications or Characteristics
Ability to build trust and drive change by forming good relationships with staff and students.
Adaptable
Self-starter who sets high goals, is comfortable dealing with ambiguity, and can handle multiple projects at once.
Belief in LEAD’s mission of preparing students for college and for life
Compensation
This is a full-time salary non-exempt position. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, including full benefits and technology provisions.
LEAD Public Schools Non-Discrimination Policy: LEAD Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion,
ancestry, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical
condition, national origin, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information,
or veteran status in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs and activities.
LEAD Public Schools does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices and
complies with applicable federal and state regulations, including those implementing Title
IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Title VI, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990.
Market context
Teaching assistant roles in Tennessee
Teaching assistant roles in Tennessee are often shaped by school staffing needs and the ability to meet state or accreditation requirements for education and experience. Competition can be strongest for candidates who show dependability, energy, and a genuine ability to work with children in active indoor and outdoor settings. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your application to show child-focused experience and readiness for physical classroom support.
