Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School

Hours/Day: 6.5 (full-time)

Work days/year : 178



2025-2026 School Year Hourly rate determined by CEA collective bargaining agreement.

Starting Hourly Rate : Grade LTA, $16.81 base hourly rate

$18.81 (if assigned to a high needs classroom)

$22.81 (if assigned to a high needs classroom and completion of a 40-hour training program for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) through Relias Academy). Training information can be found
at



Medical Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield HM0 80/20 cost share

Dental Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield 80/20 cost share

Vision Insurance: VSP 100% employee cost



SUMMARY:
The Special Education Teaching Assistant assists teachers in meeting the needs of special education students. The primary focus is to assist and enhance the educational process of students with disabilities in both instructional and non-instructional activities. 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.

LICENSURE:
The State of Illinois requires Special Education Teaching Assistants to have one of the following:

• Current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
• Current Illinois Substitute Teaching License
• Current Illinois Educator License with Stipulations Endorsed-Paraprofessional Educator (If you do not already hold a Teaching/Substitute License):
  • The requirements are: Associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution; 60 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited institution; High school diploma, or equivalent + 480 or higher on the ETS Parapro test; High school diploma, or equivalent + 4 or higher on the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math and Workplace Documents?
• Current Illinois Short Term Approval (STA) - Paraprofessional :
  • The requirements are: Minimum Age - 19 years old, Application in ELIS ($50 application fee), Proof of High School Graduation - copy of diploma, copy of transcript showing graduation date, GED, etc
  • For more information on how to apply to obtain the STA please reference the attached file.

ADDITIONAL JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Have the ability to work effectively with children

• Have the ability to work effectively with children.

• Have the ability to function within the framework of the school environment.

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.

• Computers and basic programs.

• Child guidance principles and practices.

• Behavior management and positive reinforcement.

• Classroom procedures and appropriate conduct.

• Basic record keeping methods.

• Assist with providing a variety of activities for a balanced program of instruction, giving students opportunity to observe, question and investigate.

• Reinforce information and instructions following a lesson.

• Work with students individually or in small groups in academic studies, basic life skills and other assigned instruction.

• Implement behavior modification plans and procedures designed for individual students when necessary.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding students.

• Maintain positive relationships with all students, school staff and parents.

• Observe and record student's progress.

• Assist individual or groups of students during activities including recess, lunch and getting children safely on and off bus.

• Assist with hygiene and toileting activities which might include transferring and lifting students. Sanitize classroom and equipment using approved materials.

PHYSICAL ABILITY :

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and run. The employee will experience occasional lifting and or moving up to 100 lbs, such as lifting a child from the floor. The employee must be able to push/pull items up to 80 lbs., such as children in wheelchairs.



WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Hazards- Potential exposure to communicable disease and contact with blood and other body fluids; potential exposure to physical injury from aggressive behavior.