KIPP Memphis·Memphis, Tennessee
The SPED Assistant supports special education teachers by facilitating classroom activities, reinforcing lessons, and providing direct assistance to students with disabilities. Responsibilities include monitoring student behavior, maintaining classroom records, and assisting with daily living routines and physical health programs.
Description Company Description KIPP Memphis Public Schools is part of KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program), a national network of tuition-free, open-enrollment, public schools that are successful in helping students from educationally underserved communities develop the knowledge, skills, character, and habits needed to succeed in college and the competitive world beyond. There are currently 280 KIPP schools across the nation serving nearly 120,000 students. Founded in 2002, KIPP Memphis serves over 1,000 K-12 students in our three schools and almost 900 alumni on their journeys to-and-through college with our KIPP Forward Program.
As a leader in providing high quality education for students who need us most, the KIPP Memphis team and family serves as a model of excellence and collaborates with other community organizations to raise the overall quality of education in Memphis. The mission of KIPP Memphis is to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.
Purpose and Scope Performs specialized work by assisting special education teachers in instructing and supervising the activities of students with disabilities to provide a well-organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment. The position is responsible for assisting assigned teachers in preparing instructional materials, preparing classrooms for activities, supervising and assisting children in the classroom and in other areas of the school, reinforcing classroom lessons, and providing other assistance as requested; incumbents may be responsible for providing assistance to special needs students or coordinating special projects and programs as assigned. The position works under direct supervision according to set procedures.
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.) Provides assistance to assigned teachers in maintaining a well-organized, smoothly functioning classroom for the benefit of both teachers and students. Assists students with exercises and class activities; concentrates efforts with small groups of students and individuals as necessary. Compiles, prepares and organizes materials and classroom for instruction and classroom activities. ? Assists in cleaning and storing of materials after completion of activities. Reinforces all knowledge and skills taught by the classroom teacher. Assists teachers by maintaining student records, recording daily attendance, grading assignments, administering standardized tests, recording and/or analyzing test scores/grades, substituting as needed, setting up special projects, escorting children to other areas of the school, monitoring student behavior, running errands. Collects and receipts monies for monthly activity fees, school fees, school pictures, and/or meal fees. ? Supervises and assists students when unloading and loading buses, in the halls, on field trips, during testing, during lunch, during computer lab, and on school grounds. May assist students with special needs and/or in need of special attention; provides assistance with daily living routines, skills and concepts including personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, self-feeding; may assist with physical health programs including physical therapy and adjusting special/adaptive equipment for student use; lifts or assists students in and out of special needs equipment as necessary. Assists in establishing and implementing behavioral objectives. Models appropriate social and play skills; observes students' behavior and notifies teacher and/or school nurse of behavioral changes as appropriate; redirects behavior if possible; may work with individual students to help them adjust behaviorally and academically into mainstream classroom and social situations. May coordinate and/or participate in special programs or projects as assigned. Receives and responds to inquiries from parents and others; assists in preparing notes and placing phone calls to parents as necessary. Attends staff meetings as required; participates in in-service training programs; keeps abreast of developments in areas of assignment. Performs routine clerical tasks as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and records, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, preparing notices and newsletters, receiving and responding to emails. Maintain various records and files with confidentiality. Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree, OR two (2) years of college (minimum of 48 semester hours) from an accredited college, OR a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment Test One (1) year of experience working with children in an educational setting Must possess or be able to obtain certification in CPR and First Aid
Basic knowledge of child growth and development, instructional procedures and practices applicable to assignment, instructional goals and policies of the District Knowledge of subject matter reinforcement practices of the classes to which assigned Ability to implement teachers' instructional plans in assigned field Ability to work effectively with children, young adults, and faculty members; Ability to assist with the implementation of an instructional program and to participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior Ability to follow written and oral instructions and to perform all required task Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Satisfactory criminal records check, pre-hire and annually thereafter, if applicable. Must be eligible to work in the United States and provide work authorization. Occasional travel to KIPP Memphis campuses may be required.
All application information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Market context
Demand for SPED assistant roles in Tennessee is often tied to school staffing needs and support for students with individualized education plans. These positions are competitive because districts typically look for both education credentials and hands-on classroom experience, along with current CPR/First Aid certification. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, and confirm your eligibility by matching your degree, ParaPro status, and child-focused experience before applying.