What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructional Assistant (Elementary Specialized Program) [Sunita Williams Elementary] (SY25-26) position at Sunita L. Williams Elementary School?
Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm Instructional Assistant (Elementary Specialized Program) to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This position can begin as soon as possible and will continue until the end of the school year 6/16/2026 or the end of the school year.
About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here.
Job Summary:
Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Coordinator and Special Education Liaison, the Instuctional Assistant will work with assigned students to support them in the inclusion setting and also to teach specific learning goals and objectives in a small group setting.
Experience working with students with disabilities is required.
Essential Job Functions:
- Provide 1:1 or small group support both in and out of the classroom
- Provide academic and behavioral support in and out of the classroom
- Prepares instructional material for students
- Implement behavior plans
- Other duties as assigned
- Participates and completes mandatory and elective professional development opportunities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- A highly motivated, self-starter who can work both independently and collaboratively
- Ability to be flexible in order to follow routines of multiple classroom schedules
- Experience working on a team, well-established communication and interpersonal skills, strong written communication skills
- Good verbal communication skills
- Experience with data collection
Education and Experience:
- Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Advanced degree with 1-3 years of previous IA experience is a plus.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential 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.
Application Procedure:
Applications will be considered only when a cover letter, resume, three letters of recommendation and transcripts have been attached to your online application.
Compensation:
Hourly rate range: $24.94 - $29.27
Please review the Unit C Contract (Grade: ASB).
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.
Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.
Salary : $25 - $29