Remote Cross‑Categorical Itinerant Special Education Aide – Inclusive Student Support & Development Specialist
About Alaska Teacher Placement – Empowering Education Across the Last Frontier
Alaska Teacher Placement (ATP) is a mission‑driven, statewide education staffing organization devoted to connecting passionate educators with the unique needs of Alaska’s diverse school districts. From the bustling classrooms of Anchorage to the remote villages of the Aleutian Islands, ATP works hand‑in‑hand with districts to ensure that every student—no matter their location or learning profile—receives the high‑quality, individualized support they deserve. Our core values—integrity, collaboration, cultural respect, and continuous learning—shape every placement, every partnership, and every day we spend shaping the future of Alaska’s learners.
As a remote employer, we understand that the modern workforce thrives on flexibility, technology, and purposeful work. We have built a robust virtual infrastructure that empowers staff to collaborate across time zones, access professional development resources, and stay connected to the community they serve, all while working from the comfort of their own homes.
Why This Role Is a Game‑Changer for Your Career and for Students
The Cross‑Categorical Itinerant Special Education Aide is more than a job title—it is a lifeline for students with a wide spectrum of developmental, social‑emotional, and behavioral needs. In this role, you will become a trusted ally for children who require individualized support across academic, self‑help, and life‑skill domains. Your daily impact will ripple through families, classrooms, and entire districts, fostering inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.
Working remotely, you will partner with on‑site teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff to design, implement, and monitor tailored interventions. The position offers a unique blend of direct student interaction (through coordinated visits and remote coaching), data‑driven instructional support, and the opportunity to develop expertise across multiple special‑education categories—including physical, cognitive, and emotional‑behavioral needs.
Key Responsibilities – What Your Day Might Look Like
- Student‑Centric Support: Provide one‑on‑one and small‑group assistance to students with physical, social‑emotional, behavioral, self‑help, and developmental challenges, adapting strategies to meet individual IEP goals.
- Instructional Collaboration: Work closely with classroom teachers to co‑plan lessons, modify curriculum materials, and embed universal design for learning (UDL) principles across subjects.
- Behavioral Intervention: Implement evidence‑based de‑escalation techniques, crisis management protocols, and safe‑restraint procedures as needed, documenting incidents and outcomes promptly.
- Data Collection & Reporting: Record student progress using state‑approved tools, analyze trends, and present findings to multidisciplinary teams to inform ongoing IEP revisions.
- Parent & Family Communication: Maintain open, respectful communication channels with families, providing updates, resources, and strategies to support learning at home.
- Professional Development: Participate in mandatory training (e.g., de‑escalation, ASL I & II, inclusive education workshops) and pursue optional certifications to stay at the forefront of best practices.
- Logistical Coordination: Schedule and conduct virtual consultations, attend district meetings, and coordinate travel when onsite visits are required, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Physical Assistance: Safely lift, transfer, and assist students weighing up to 50 lbs, adhering to ergonomic guidelines and district policies for student health.
- Community Integration: Foster inclusive activities that celebrate Alaska’s cultural heritage, supporting students in developing social skills and community awareness.
Essential Qualifications & Certifications – What You Must Bring
- A high school diploma or equivalent **and** the ability to complete the ParaProfessional Assessment within four months of hire or an associate’s degree (or higher) or completion of at least 48 semester hours of post‑secondary coursework.
- Demonstrated understanding of developmental disabilities, inclusive instructional strategies, and the legal framework governing special education (IDEA, Section 504).
- Physical ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs safely, with a proven track record of using proper body mechanics.
- Successful completion of de‑escalation training within the first six months of employment.
- Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to convey complex information clearly to students, parents, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Empathy, patience, and a growth mindset when working with children who have physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.
- Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, and ability to access remote military installations when required.
- Basic proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) I and II, if the position specifies signing skills.
Preferred Qualifications & Additional Assets – How to Stand Out
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, or a related field.
- Previous experience as a paraprofessional, classroom aide, or similar support role in preschool, Intensive Resource (IR), or Extended Resource (ER) settings.
- Certification or coursework in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Trauma‑Informed Care, or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
- Proficiency with assistive technology tools (e.g., speech‑generating devices, augmentative communication apps).
- Experience using data‑management systems such as NELP, Frontline Education, or statewide reporting platforms.
- Multilingual abilities, especially fluency in languages spoken by Alaska’s diverse communities (e.g., Yupik, Inupiaq, Tlingit).
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain rigorous documentation standards.
Core Skills & Competencies for Success – What You’ll Need Every Day
- Instructional Flexibility: Ability to adapt lesson plans on the fly, employing differentiated instruction techniques to meet varied learning styles.
- Behavioral Acumen: Skilled at reading non‑verbal cues, applying de‑escalation strategies, and maintaining a calm, supportive presence during crises.
- Collaborative Spirit: Comfortable working within multidisciplinary teams, valuing input from teachers, therapists, administrators, and families.
- Technology Literacy: Proficient with virtual learning platforms (Zoom, Google Meet), learning management systems, and data tracking software.
- Organizational Mastery: Strong record‑keeping habits, ability to manage multiple student files, and meet documentation deadlines.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respectful of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures, willingness to incorporate community traditions into learning experiences.
- Physical Stamina: Capacity to remain outdoors for up to 30 minutes in temperatures as low as –20°F, while maintaining safety and professionalism.
- Professional Ethics: Commitment to confidentiality, ethical conduct, and adherence to district policies and state regulations.
Work Environment, Culture & Remote Collaboration – What It’s Like to Join ATP
Although the position is remote, ATP fosters a tightly knit community through regular virtual check‑ins, mentorship programs, and collaborative learning circles. Our staff enjoy a flexible schedule (7‑hour workdays) that respects work‑life balance while delivering the 9‑month school year commitment required by districts.
We celebrate the diversity of our workforce and the students we serve, encouraging open dialogue about cultural practices, inclusive language, and innovative teaching methods. By leveraging cloud‑based tools, online training portals, and a dedicated support team, we ensure you never feel isolated, even when you’re supporting students in the most remote corners of the state.
Compensation, Benefits & Perks – Your Total Rewards Package
- Competitive Hourly Rate: $19.77 per hour (Grade 6, Step 1) with annual salary reviews based on performance and cost‑of‑living adjustments.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, vision, and audiology plans with employer contributions.
- Retirement Savings: Participation in the State of Alaska Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) with matching contributions.
- Paid Time Off: Accrued sick and personal leave, paid holidays, and vacation time aligned with the school calendar.
- Professional Development Stipends: Funding for certifications, conferences, and coursework relevant to special education.
- Technology Allowance: Reimbursement for home office equipment, high‑speed internet, and necessary software licenses.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling, wellness resources, and crisis support.
- Travel Reimbursement: Mileage and expense coverage for any required onsite visits or district meetings.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in statewide initiatives, cultural immersion programs, and volunteer projects.
Career Development & Growth Opportunities – Your Path Forward
Alaska Teacher Placement invests in your long‑term success. As you demonstrate competence and dedication, you’ll have access to a clear advancement pathway:
- Specialized Certifications: Pursue additional credentials such as Certified Special Education Teacher (CSET), Behavior Analyst certification, or Advanced ASL certification.
- Leadership Roles: Transition into lead aide, instructional coach, or district support specialist positions, overseeing teams of paraprofessionals.
- Educational Partnerships: Collaborate with Alaska’s universities on research projects, practicum supervision, and curriculum development.
- Mentorship Programs: Serve as a mentor to new aides, strengthening your leadership abilities while building a supportive network.
- Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Join district‑wide PLCs focused on inclusive pedagogy, data analysis, and culturally responsive teaching.
We also provide tuition assistance for degree completion, enabling you to attain a bachelor’s or master’s degree while continuing to work in the field you love.
Application Process & Next Steps – How to Join Our Team
If you are passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of Alaska’s students and meet the essential qualifications, we invite you to submit your application today. The process is straightforward:
- Prepare an up‑to‑date résumé highlighting relevant experience, education, and certifications.
- Write a concise cover letter explaining why you are drawn to this remote itinerant role and how your skill set aligns with our mission.
- Gather any required documentation (transcripts, licenses, ASL certificates) to attach to your application.
- Complete the online application portal linked below, ensuring all fields are accurately filled.
- Our recruiting team will review submissions, conduct a brief phone interview, and schedule a virtual panel with district representatives.
- Successful candidates will receive a formal offer, onboarding schedule, and access to our employee portal for pre‑start training.
We understand that every candidate brings a unique story. Even if you feel you don’t match every requirement perfectly, we encourage you to apply—your dedication to supporting learners may be exactly what we need.
Join Us in Shaping Alaska’s Future—Apply Today!
At Alaska Teacher Placement, we don’t just fill positions; we create lifelong partnerships that elevate education across the state. Your expertise as a Cross‑Categorical Itinerant Special Education Aide will empower students, strengthen families, and enrich the communities you serve. Take the next step toward a rewarding, impactful career—click the link below to submit your application, and let’s build an inclusive future together.
Apply Now – Start Your Journey with ATP
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