LTS Special Education Instructional Assistant (12/01/2025 - 06/16/2026) - Mitchell Elementary School

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled Long-Term Special Education Instructional Assistant to join the team at the Mitchell Elementary School. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

Job Description: 

Under the supervision of the Principal and Assistant Principal, General Education Instructional Assistants support the daily building and student needs, including: 

• Providing class coverage 
• Supervising students 
• Performing lunch and recess duties 
• Supporting students as necessary
• Any additional tasks assigned by the Principal or Assistant Principal

The essential functions and duties listed above are intended to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge/Abilities/Skills:

• Ability to work with students with various learning profiles and varying support needs.
• Ability to keep a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
• Ability to display patience with students.
• Knowledge of student safety requirements and practices.
• Technology and computer skills.  

Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Advanced degree with 1-3 years of previous TA experience is a plus.

Job Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment, but they may occasionally be performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Regularly required to sit (including sitting on the floor or other hard surface), stand, walk, kneel, talk, hear, operate a computer, handheld learning devices, and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, work indoors or outdoors, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Occasionally may need to assist students with standing, sitting, organizational functions or other related general physical tasks.

Compensation and Benefits:

Hourly rate range: $23.94 - $27.97

Please review the Unit C Contract and this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits.

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.