Instructional Assistant (Special Education) (Lowell Elementary) - Long Term Substitute (SY 24-25)

Watertown Public Schools - Watertown, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Watertown, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Instructional Assistant (Special Education) at Lowell Elementary is a long-term substitute role aimed at supporting teachers in delivering a high-quality educational program tailored to the needs of students with significant learning and social/emotional challenges. The position involves working closely with school staff to foster an educational environment that emphasizes quality and continuity in student learning.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in providing educational support during instructional and non-instructional activities.
• Maintain student data as directed by teachers and related service providers.
• Implement behavior support plans as provided by teachers and related service providers.
• Provide overall support to the classroom teacher and students based on individual needs.
• Incorporate knowledge of student learning styles and child development to assist in student learning.
• Recognize ineffective teaching strategies and seek guidance from the classroom teacher to adapt assistance accordingly.
• Provide verbal support, prompting, redirection, and modeling to help students access the curriculum.
• Support personal care needs for students, including feeding, diapering, and toileting.
• React professionally to unpredictable situations, such as behavioral crises.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of two years experience working with young children.
• Current authorization to work in the United States.
• Experience working with elementary-level students with significant learning and social/emotional needs.
• Experience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans and understanding the functions of behaviors.
• Ability to learn ABA methodology and techniques.
• Ability to take initiative and assist students with de-escalation techniques and executive functioning skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Experience with assistive technology and PECS functional communication systems.

Nice-to-haves

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.
• Certification as a teacher or license as a social worker.