SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT TEACHER
The Shirley Aninias School | New York, NY | Full-Time, 12-Month | $45,000–$55,000
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Shirley Aninias School (SAS) is a private, 12-month, behavior-based elementary program for neurodiverse students ages 4–16. The Assistant Teacher is a key part of our educational team, providing specialized support and instruction that helps each student learn in a consistent, safe, and nurturing environment. You'll work closely with the Head Special Education Teacher, BCBAs and our Related Services Providers to bring each student's individualized program to life. A strong entry point for anyone building a career in special education.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Classroom & Instructional Support
- Assist the Head Teacher in implementing IEPs and progress-report goals
- Support students during activities and help them understand and complete tasks
- Work with individuals and small groups to reinforce learning and skills
- Provide one-on-one instructional support as directed by the Head Teacher or BCBA
- Prepare and adapt instructional materials and help maintain a positive, inclusive classroom
- Teach a special activity once or twice per week as directed, submitting lesson plans on time
Behavioral Support & Data
- Implement behavior-management plans per each student's BIP, as directed by the BCBA and Head Teacher
- Assist with data collection for Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
- Monitor and document behavior and progress
- Encourage positive behavior and provide appropriate interventions
Supervision & Communication
- Supervise students during lunch, recess, transitions, and field trips, ensuring safety at all times
- Provide feedback to the Head Teacher, maintain accurate records, and communicate professionally with families and staff
- Help organize classroom materials, equipment, and student records
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Support and safely de-escalate students using approved methods (training provided)
- Lift, carry, and hold students safely and move classroom furniture/equipment (training provided)
- Maintain visual/auditory supervision and accompany students throughout the school and drills
- Physical stamina and flexibility for active participation (bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, play)
- First Aid/CPR knowledge or willingness to obtain certification
REQUIREMENTS
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field
- NYS Teaching Assistant certification (or willingness to acquire one within 6 months of hire)
- Experience working with neurodiverse students (preschool or elementary preferred)
- Interest in growing within the field of special education
- Ability to seek and use supervision constructively
- Tact, discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment
- Ability to work independently, self-motivate, and be resourceful
- Effective, positive communication with students, families, and colleagues
WHAT WE OFFER
$45,000–$55,000 commensurate with experience, plus 401(k) with matching, health/dental/vision, paid time off, and ongoing professional development.
The Shirley Aninias School is an equal opportunity employer.
MISSION
Our mission is to partner with families and our community to capitalize on the strengths of our neurodiverse students. We do this through an individualized teaching model to ensure academic, language, behavioral, and social-emotional success.
We celebrate variations of how they think, learn, and process information. Every student’s learning style is respected to foster self-confidence, resilience and autonomy. We have created a school community experience that works effectively for all.
We celebrate our students for who they are by:
- Embracing their uniqueness, talents, and passions
- Bridging the gap of all neurotypes
- Teaching self-advocacy skills and encouraging autonomy
- Committing to their success in a welcoming community that embraces diversity and inclusion
Philosophy
The Shirley Aninias School is a developmentally oriented program committed to our unique learners. Our Whole Child Approach prioritizes the full scope of a child’s developmental needs (cognitive, social-emotional, behavioral, fine, gross motor, and health development) to ensure that every child reaches their full potential.
We emphasize social, language, and behaviorally rich learning experiences in and out of school for each child. We value relationship-centered learning environments in the areas of academics, social, emotional, speech-language, for deeper learning that provides an integrated student support to ensure progress.