The posting
Job Title: Special Education One-to-One 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, $26,920 - $58,315
Job Description:
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate One-to-One Instructional Assistant to support students with specific educational needs. This position involves providing individualized support to students, following the classroom teacher’s instructions, and assisting in the development and implementation of academic and behavioral support strategies. The successful candidate will work closely with students in both general education and special education settings, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
This position is directly tied to the specific needs of enrolled students. If a student is no longer enrolled and no additional needs arise, employment for this position will be terminated.
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.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Provide one-to-one support to students with various disabilities and learning needs, ensuring access to the curriculum and classroom activities.
Assist students with both academic tasks and behavioral/social challenges, adhering to prescribed instructional methods.
Follow the specific accommodations and modifications outlined in students’ IEPs and 504 Plans.
Support students in organizing their academic materials, completing assignments, and maintaining effective schedules.
Collaborate with the classroom teacher and/or Special Education teacher to implement lesson plans, develop materials, and ensure effective instruction.
Facilitate behavioral support, implementing behavioral plans to support students’ success in the classroom, including managing non-compliance, task completion, and social interactions.
Provide support in both individual and small group settings, with flexibility in assigned tasks and students.
Assist students during lunch, recess, specials, and other non-classroom times to ensure continuous support and safety.
Monitor and document student progress and collect data related to academic performance, behavior, and incidents (accidents, discipline, etc.).
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
Provide classroom coverage when necessary, ensuring that students’ learning is uninterrupted.
Support students with technology and other classroom resources to enhance learning.
Implement carryover of skills and instructional strategies as designed by related service providers (e.g., Speech, OT, PT).
Assist students with daily routines, including arrival, dismissal, and transitioning between activities.
Facilitate the development of independent skills in students, promoting self-sufficiency across the school day.
Participate in meetings and consultations related to students' progress and needs.
Assist students with organization of materials, note-taking, and scribing as needed.
Follow school policies and collaborate with colleagues to address challenges and develop effective solutions.
Support the facilitation of standardized assessments (e.g., MCAS) with appropriate accommodations.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or Director of Special Education.
Required Skills, Experience, and Competencies:
High school diploma or equivalent; additional qualifications in education or related field preferred.
Minimum of one year of experience in a similar role or working with children in an educational setting.
Knowledge of academic support strategies and special education practices.
Ability to work effectively with students of varying needs, including those with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.
Ability to adapt to a dynamic environment and work collaboratively with a team.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Commitment to the core values of the school and a passion for supporting all students’ success.
Additional Requirements:
Background check and fingerprinting as required by Massachusetts state regulations.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Must be able to lift, move, or assist students when necessary.
Completion of any required professional development or certifications as mandated by the District.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The role requires frequent communication, standing, walking, sitting, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and occasional lifting of students or objects.
Ability to work in a busy, noisy, and high-pressure environment, maintaining focus on student safety and well-being.
Exposure to potential hazards, including bodily fluids, and the need to respond appropriately to emergency situations.
May involve assisting students with personal care needs, including grooming, feeding, and toileting for medically fragile or physically disabled students.
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.
