MS Special Education Instructional Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant

Location: Middle School

Reports To: Building Principal in Partnership with the Special Education Department

Subordinates: None

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: School Year Instructional Assistant Salary Scale, $25,500 - $55,238

Job Description:

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Instructional Assistant to join our team. This individual will work closely with the classroom teacher and other school personnel to support students with special needs. The role involves providing direct assistance to students in the classroom, helping with lesson implementation, and offering personalized support based on individual student needs. This position is essential in fostering an inclusive learning environment and ensuring that students with diverse abilities have the tools and encouragement they need to succeed academically and socially.

This job description outlines the core duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be required in this role. The ideal candidate should be flexible and adaptable in meeting the evolving needs of the District.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the lead teacher in planning and implementing educational activities tailored to meet the diverse needs of students with special needs.
• Provide one-on-one or small group support to students with disabilities, as directed by the teacher or case manager.
• Help students with daily activities, including mobility, personal care, and maintaining focus during lessons.
• Monitor student progress, document behaviors, and assist with reinforcing classroom rules and routines.
• Collaborate with the teacher, specialists, and parents to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Support students with physical and emotional challenges to ensure their participation in classroom activities.
• Assist with classroom management to create a safe and productive learning environment.
• Attend meetings, training sessions, and participate in ongoing professional development opportunities.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's Degree or higher in Education, Special Education, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism, behavioral disorders, or other special needs, is highly preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to support students in their academic and personal growth.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other staff members.
• Ability to lift, move, or assist students in certain physical tasks as necessary.
• Knowledge of general classroom practices and strategies for supporting students with special needs.

Additional Requirements:

• Background check and fingerprinting as required by Massachusetts regulations.
• Completion of any required training or certifications upon hire, including first aid, CPR, and behavior management training.

Important Note:

Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Compensation and Benefits:

Full-Time Exempt Salary Position in accordance with the established Instructional Assistant Salary Scale. AKFCS also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

• Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS): Not Eligible
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) & ROTH403(b) with Match
• Stipend for Professional/Personal Development
• Dash Pass (DoorDash)
• YMCA Discounts
• Comprehensive Private Leave of Absence Program (PFML)
• Sick Time with Sick Bank
• Personal Days
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Abby Kelley Foster Public Charter School is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.

About Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School:

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School (AKFCS) provides an education to 1426 students in grades kindergarten through twelve, comprising an Elementary, Middle and High School. AKFCS values flexible educators who possess an optimistic, growth-oriented mindset regarding learning, for themselves, staff, and students. The District seeks to reflect the increasingly diverse world in which we live. We strive to provide our students with an exceptional education in a caring community of students, families, faculty, and staff that represents a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Our goal is to ensure opportunities for all students regardless of gender, race, religion, color, ethnicity, sexual preference, gender identity, or economic background. In support of our objective, Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School will:

• Continue to give special importance to the inclusion within our student body, our faculty, and our staff of persons from all groups within our society, including those who have experienced prejudice and disadvantage.
• Provide all members of the district with a range of appropriate opportunities to develop skills for living in a diverse community and integrate diversity initiatives throughout the AKFCS experience.
• Support the philosophy of our International Baccalaureate Program, which is aimed at developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
• Empower all members of our community to share and celebrate their differences as well as their common experiences to foster a culturally responsive education.
• Support the mission of Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing a classical liberal arts education grounded in the great works of Western Civilization and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation.