For most student TAs, their job consists of grading papers, running errands, putting grades in the gradebook, and perhaps completing their homework that’s due later in the day.

But TAs for the special needs class have an entirely different set of responsibilities.

Although it takes a bit more patience than running errands, being a TA for the class proves to be a fun and rewarding experience.

The school year so far has been fairly laid-back. It started with one of the teachers, Christine Niemoeller, giving the TAs little restrictions other than helping the kids out in their respective classes.

“She’s very chill,” said junior Taylor Bannister.

The average day for a Special Needs TA begins with tons of joy.

“I walk into class, and get hugs from everyone,” said junior Abigail Harris.

From then on, each TA’s responsibilities differ depending upon their assignment for that day, and the class they assist.

“Most days, you’re assigned to a person or two. [I’m] mostly assigned to James and Noah,” said senior Lyndsie Jayne-Jernigan. “Abby and I will take [them] to drama class and participate in that class with them, memorizing lines and playing acting games.”

Some TAs choose to participate activities that venture outside the traditional classroom setting.

“Fifteen minutes after the start of class, [I] go to the computer room and do photography with the kids,” said senior Demetri Georgiades. “We take pictures and just hang out.”

Along with the various recreational activities they participate in, the TAs also assist with the students’ academic work.

Certain TAs will help teach the students math, reading, and even typing skills on the computer. In any given period, the TAs are also responsible for helping to prepare lunches for the students, as well as making sure they take any medication they need on time.

“Noah and Stephen take medicine at the same time each day, so we take turns bringing them to the office to get [their] medicine…it really just depends on the day,” said Jayne-Jernigan.

Whenever a holiday comes around, the class gets together and celebrates with cookies, popcorn, and dancing.

Just like any other TA class, there are some days that are more difficult than others.

“[The students] can be hard to talk out of a bad mood,” said Bannister. “But when they’re nice, they’re unconditionally nice.”

Despite any difficulties the TAs have experienced in the past, all  of them talk about the class with resounding joy and enthusiasm.

“I just like working with them, and seeing their personalities,” said Harris. “Watching them learn is the best part.”

Added Georgiades, “[The best part] is seeing how appreciative they are.”

Georgiades said he feels teaching the kids is his duty and responsibility.

Though their routines are often spontaneous and change on a day-to-day basis, the students don’t hesitate to greet any familiar faces they encounter on campus.

“They love Rick, the [custodian],” Bannister said. “They sometimes shout across campus to ask him how he’s doing.”

The TAs end the day by walking the kids to the bus and waving them goodbye as they pull away.

Of the six TAs interviewed for this story, half said that they believe they have a future in helping the disabled.

Harris wants to pursue a path in teaching the disabled and Jayne-Jernigan is considering a future in audiology, the assistance of the hearing impaired.

“I hope to continue this for a lot of years, whether on a volunteer basis, or teaching,” said Georgiades.