Reports to: Principal

Employment Information: This is a full-time, FLSA-non-exempt, 10-month union position. 

Summary:

The Teacher Aide supports teachers and students to maintain an effective and positive learning environment. The Teacher Aide will provide individualized or small-group support, tutoring, storytelling, preparing instructional materials, and performing other tasks that contribute to the delivery of the educational program. Teacher Aides work collaboratively with teachers, staff, and students to promote engagement, learning, and student success.

This role varies based on the age group of students:

Preschool: One aide per class, supporting play-based learning and daily classroom activities. Subbing for the teacher when needed.

Elementary: One aide per class who accompanies students to specials (e.g., art, PE), assists with transitions, and supports small-group or individual learning activities. Subbing for the teacher when needed.

Middle and High School: Aides are shared across multiple classes within a department, supporting teachers, subbing when needed across the entire department, and running small groups.

Transition: Provide individualized support to students working on career, life skills, and post-secondary goals. Assist with daily routines, community-based learning, experiential activities, and off-campus job-coaching opportunities. Serve as a substitute for teachers when required and support small-group instruction aligned with IEP goals.

Responsibilities:

• Assist teachers in implementing instructional plans and classroom activities.
• Support the preparation and use of instructional materials to maintain a positive and productive learning environment.
• Provide meaningful and interactive learning experiences for students under the direction of the teacher.
• Offer individualized or small-group support to students, promoting academic, social, and developmental growth.
• Substitute for teachers when needed, ensuring continuity of instruction and classroom management.
• Assist in supervising students during non-classroom activities, including transitions, field trips, lunch, and recess.
• Participate in team, cluster, and school-wide meetings to support instructional planning and monitor student progress.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to meet Paraeducator standards and enhance instructional support skills.
• Model and exhibit PSD’s core values Students 1st, Language, Respect, Communication, and Community Engagement in all interactions, decisions, and professional responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support student learning and the educational program.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• Demonstrated American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency at a Level 2+ (ASLPI) or above required; advanced proficiency preferred.
• Previous experience in an educational setting preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with teachers, staff, and students.
• Ability to follow instructions, support classroom routines, and adapt to the needs of diverse learners.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, or move around the classroom and school campus for extended periods, including walking between classrooms and other campus locations.
• Ability to lift, carry, or assist students or instructional materials (up to 25 lbs) as needed.
• Ability to escort or accompany students safely from one location to another as required.
• Manual dexterity for handling instructional materials, classroom technology, and supplies.
• Visual and auditory ability to observe and respond to student needs and classroom activities.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily works in a classroom environment with students of varying ages and abilities.
• May require supervision of students during outdoor activities, field trips, lunch, and recess.
• Exposure to typical classroom noise levels and occasional unpredictable student behavior.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for school events, meetings, or professional development.

Mental & Cognitive Demands:

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to changing classroom needs.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in supporting students and classroom activities.
• Ability to maintain patience, flexibility, and professionalism in a dynamic learning environment.
• Attention to detail for following instructional plans, maintaining student records, and ensuring safety protocols.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with teachers, staff, students, and families.
• Implement the school’s prescribed interventions for behavior, classroom management, and student engagement.

Pennsylvania School for the Deaf provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Pennsylvania School for the Deaf to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants or employees with disabilities, as long as such accommodations do not impose an undue hardship or remove the essential functions of the job. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@psd.org.