Teacher Apprentice Special Education for 2024-25

Purpose:                       Provide instructional assistance to students under the direct supervision of a certified teacher. Assist in preparing, conducting, and managing classroom activities.  Work closely with experienced teachers and gain valuable hands-on experience. As an Apprentice Teacher, you will play a vital role in supporting the learning and development of students while collaborating with the teacher staff to create a positive and engaging education environment, while also meeting program requirements to become a licensed teacher. To accomplish these tasks, the Teacher Apprentice works closely with the staff and administration of USD 253.
 
Responsible to:             Principal and Lead Teacher
 
Payment rate:               As established by the Emporia Board of Education
 
Qualifications:

Education/Certification(s)/License(s):

1. High school diploma or equivalent. 
2. Enrolled concurrently in a KSBE approved Teacher Preparation Program at a Kansas University/College.
3. Must have a plan of study for program completion on file with the Human Resources Office.
4. Must have completed at least 48 college credit hours or have passed the ParaPro Assessment.
5. Experience working with children.
6. Desire to continue career improvement.
7. Health and Inoculation Certificate on file in the Central Office.
8. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the board may find appropriate and acceptable. 

Special Knowledge or Skills:

1. Ability to assist in instruction in all subject areas.
2. Passion for working with children and supporting their educational development.
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Patience, empathy, and the ability to establish positive relationships with students and colleagues.
5. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
6. Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively as part of a team.
7. Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic educational environment.
8. Willingness to learn and take direction from experienced teachers. 

                                                                                                                                      
Essential Functions:

1. Assist the lead teacher in preparing and organizing instructional materials, classroom setup, and maintaining a conducive learning environment.
2. Monitor student behavior and ensure a safe and respectful classroom atmosphere. 
3. Support students during classroom activities, transitions, and independent work.
4. Collaborate with the lead teacher to deliver lessons and activities designed to meet the educational objectives of the curriculum. 
5. Provide one-on-one or small group support to students as needed.
6. Assist in grading assignments, exams, and projects according to established guidelines. 
7. Provide constructive feedback to students to support their academic growth.
8. Collaborate with the lead teacher to develop and implement lesson plans, ensuring alignment with the curriculum goals, Individual Education Plans, and individual student needs.
9. Support the lead teacher in maintaining discipline and managing classroom routines and procedures. 
10. Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes student engagement and participation.
11. Actively participate in professional development opportunities, workshops, and training sessions to enhance teaching skills and stay updated with current educational practices.
12. Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned.
13. Maintain effective communication with students, parents, and other staff members.
14. Provide feedback to the lead teacher on student progress, challenges, and achievements.
15. Assist with administrative tasks such as attendance recording, record-keeping, progress monitoring, and organizing student files.
16. Assist in facilitating the personal, social, and intellectual development of students.

 
General Responsibilities:

1. Support the vision and mission of USD253. 
2. Support the value of an education.
3. Respect the confidentiality of records and information regarding students, parents, teachers, and the district in accordance with accepted professional ethics, and state and federal laws.
4. Strive to communicate the positive aspects of our schools program to the public in word and deed.
5. Obtain equipment, resources and materials through processes outlined by the Assistant Superintendent of Business/Operations.
6. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
7. Stay abreast of new technologies, data management, and communication.
8. Appropriately operate all classroom equipment as required.
9. Comply with legal and regulatory requirements as provided by state and federal law.
10. Uphold and enforce board policy, administrative procedures, and school rules/regulations including but not limited to: acceptable use of technology, sexual and racial harassment, child abuse reporting, health and safety including all precautions related to bloodborne pathogens, and suicide prevention.
11. React to change productively. 
12. Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

1. Requires the ability to occasionally work outside with exposure to extreme temperatures and inclement weather.
2. Requires the ability to frequently sit and stand for prolonged periods of time.
3. Requires the ability to walk frequently. 
4. Requires the ability to kneel/squat, bend/stoop, push/pull, twist, or reach.
5. Requires the ability to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials.
6. Requires the ability to work with frequent interruptions.
7. Requires the ability to maintain emotional control while under stress and in stressful situations.
8. Requires timeliness and regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.
9. Requires the ability to work and concentrate in noisy and crowded environments.
10. Requires timeliness and regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

As an Apprentice Teacher, you will not be the teacher of record and will work under the supervision and guidance of experienced teaching staff. This role provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring educators to gain practical experience and contribute to the academic success of students while preparing for a future teaching career. 

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities of this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.