Instructional Assistant Special Education II - Self-Contained

Mesa Public Schools - Mesa, AZ

Part-time - Entry Level

Mesa, AZ

5,001-10,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

Mesa Public Schools is seeking dedicated individuals to assist in the monitoring and instruction of special education students under the direct supervision of certified teachers and specialists. This role is crucial in implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and supporting students in their academic, daily living, and health care activities. The position is designed to relieve teachers of routine clerical tasks, allowing them to focus on delivering quality education. As part of the largest school district in Arizona, you will be part of a community that values educational excellence and has a long-standing tradition of serving families in the Mesa area. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering classroom work and homework under the direction of teachers, reinforcing classroom objectives, and providing tutoring and guided practice. You will assist in the development of instructional materials and maintain the classroom environment. Data collection on academic and behavior goals will be part of your duties, as well as implementing positive behavior intervention plans for students who may display challenging behaviors. This includes responding to problem behaviors according to established intervention plans and district policies. Your responsibilities will also include performing support tasks based on student needs, which may involve behavior management techniques, physical interventions for emotional and behavioral dysregulation, and personal care assistance for non-ambulatory students. You will be required to assist students with severe medical conditions in addressing personal care needs, ensuring their functioning in a school environment. Additionally, you will monitor individual and small groups of students to maintain a safe and positive learning environment, facilitating social interactions among peers. Regular attendance and participation in meetings to enhance your skills and knowledge are essential. This position requires a commitment to modeling professional and respectful behavior while maintaining a safe environment for all students.

Responsibilities

• Deliver classroom work/homework and reinforce classroom objectives under the teacher's direction.
• Assist in the development of instructional materials and maintenance of the classroom.
• Collect data on academic and behavior goals as instructed.
• Implement positive behavior intervention plans for students displaying challenging behaviors.
• Respond to problem behaviors according to the students' positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy.
• Perform support tasks based on student needs, including behavior management techniques and physical interventions.
• Assist non-ambulatory students with daily activities, including transfers and lifts.
• Provide personal care support, including tube feeding, diapering, and seizure intervention.
• Monitor individual and small student groups to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure safety.
• Perform general clerical tasks to support the teacher in maintaining student files and classroom materials.
• Participate in various meetings to share information and improve skills.

Requirements

• Associates Degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the ParaPro Test provided by the district.
• Ability and willingness to work with special education students requiring specialized instruction.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well in stressful situations.
• Computer proficiency in basic software applications (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and follow classroom guidelines.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with special education students.
• Knowledge of behavior management strategies.
• First aid and CPR certification.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Matched retirement
• Health insurance
• Life insurance