Functional Skills Special Education Teacher Assistant 2025-2026 SY

Quest Junior High School is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Functional Skills Special Education Teacher Assistant to lead a classroom focused on preparing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities for success in school and everyday life. This position emphasizes core academic instruction, functional life skills, social-emotional development, and building independence. We are looking for someone who leads with kindness, values team collaboration, upholds confidentiality, and is committed to meeting the diverse needs of all students in a respectful and inclusive environment.

Core Responsibilities: Academic & Functional Instruction: • Provide core academic instruction (reading, writing, math, and communication) adapted to each student’s functional and cognitive level. • Teach functional life skills such as hygiene, personal safety, laundry, basic cooking, cleaning routines, and organizational skills. • Integrate vocational readiness skills, including following directions, task persistence, and basic job-related behaviors. • Build executive functioning and self-management skills, such as time awareness, task initiation, and problem-solving. Social & Emotional Learning: • Foster a classroom culture grounded in kindness, tolerance, and empathy. • Teach and model appropriate social interactions, communication strategies, and emotional regulation. • Use visual supports, role-playing, and positive reinforcement to strengthen interpersonal skills. Individualized Student Support: • Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) based on each student’s strengths, needs, and transition goals. • Support alternative communication methods and assistive technologies when appropriate. • Provide opportunities for students to express their needs, choices, and preferences in a safe and respectful way. Collaboration & Confidentiality: • Work closely with support staff, general educators, therapists, counselors, and families to ensure student progress and inclusion. • Uphold professional confidentiality in all student interactions, data handling, and parent communication. • Actively participate in IEP meetings, staff collaboration sessions, and student support planning. • Coach and guide paraprofessionals in instructional strategies, behavior supports, and data collection. Classroom Management & Culture: • Create a structured, nurturing, and predictable classroom environment that promotes student confidence and success. • Implement behavior support plans using proactive, strengths-based approaches. • Maintain a positive tone and use visual schedules, checklists, and routines to enhance student independence. • Celebrate student growth and effort, focusing on their progress toward personal goals. Preferred Qualities: • Patient, calm, and enthusiastic about student growth. • Strong communicator and collaborator. • Skilled in adapting instruction and managing varied learning needs. • Passionate about inclusion and creating a safe, respectful classroom space for all.

Quest Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.