2026-2027: Instructional Assistant - ESOL

Sylvania; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Instructional Assistant – ESOL at Cougar Elementary School provides instructional and language acquisition support to multilingual learners under licensed teachers and school administrators. This position helps students develop English proficiency while accessing grade-level curriculum and promotes academic success.

It collaborates with ESOL teachers and staff to foster an inclusive learning environment for English Learners (ELs).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; ParaPro assessment within 30 days of hire.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for diverse families and staff.
• Knowledge of and ability to engage with Spanish-speaking community.

Responsibilities

• Support English Learners individually, in small groups, or in the classroom.
• Reinforce English language development across listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Prepare and adapt instructional materials for language development and academics.
• Assist with classroom organization, activities, and daily operations.
• Observe and document student progress and behavior as directed.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
• Provide coverage during teacher absences and participate in staff trainings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Spanish-speaking community engagement

Confidentiality handling

Ability to follow instructions

Collaborative teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ParaPro Assessment completion

Job description

POSITION: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT – ESOL

LOCATION: Cougar Elementary School

SALARY: Classified Scale, Grade 4

HOURS: 7.5 hours per day (Full Time with Benefits)

POSITION LENGTH: 186 Days

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR(S): School Principals and Classroom Teachers

JOB SUMMARY:

The Instructional Assistant – ESOL provides instructional and language acquisition support to multilingual learners under the direction of licensed teachers and school administrators. This position assists students in developing English language proficiency while supporting access to grade-level curriculum and promoting academic success. The Instructional Assistant works collaboratively with classroom teachers, ESOL teachers, and other staff to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for English Learners (ELs).

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND SKILLS:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Passing score on the ParaPro Assessment (must be completed within 30 days of hire)
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, with the professionalism and personal qualities necessary to build positive relationships with parents, students, staff, and community members.
• Knowledge of, and ability to effectively engage with, the school's Spanish-speaking community.
• Bilingual proficiency is preferred but not required
• Ability to support students with diverse academic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions related to instructional, language acquisition, and behavioral plans
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student records and information

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Comply with all federal, state, local, and School Board policies and regulations.
• Support English Learners individually, in small groups, or within the classroom under the direction of licensed staff.
• Reinforce English language development skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Assist students in understanding classroom instruction while encouraging the development of independent language skills.
• Prepare, organize, and adapt instructional materials to support language development and academic learning.
• Support teachers in implementing instructional strategies designed for multilingual learners.
• Assist with classroom organization, instructional activities, and daily classroom operations.
• Observe, monitor, and document student progress and behavior as directed.
• Help implement behavior supports and classroom management strategies.
• Supervise students during classroom activities, transitions, lunch, recess, field trips, and other school functions as assigned.
• Maintain accurate records, instructional materials, attendance information, and classroom supplies.
• Provide instructional or classroom coverage as assigned during teacher absences.
• Support multiple classrooms, teachers, or instructional settings based on school and student needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional learning, and training opportunities.
• Foster positive relationships with students, staff, and families while respecting cultural and linguistic diversity.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and School Board policy.
• Perform clerical, instructional, and other related duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the school.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position operates in a professional school environment that includes classrooms, gymnasiums, cafeterias, auditoriums, and outdoor learning or recreational areas. The work environment involves noise levels that may range from low to moderate and requires frequent walking, standing, and movement throughout the school day. Occasional climbing, kneeling, or crouching may also be required. Periods of sitting are common while preparing lessons, grading assignments, or completing administrative tasks.

The position may require lifting or moving instructional materials, classroom supplies, or equipment weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally up to 25 pounds or more. Regular use of computers, interactive whiteboards, projectors, printers, and other instructional technologies is required to support teaching and learning.

Clear verbal communication, active listening, and visual attentiveness are essential for delivering instruction and ensuring student safety. The role involves daily interaction with students and regular collaboration with colleagues, administrators, and families. Occasional travel between school sites or participation in supervised field trips may also be required.

School employees must be able to manage multiple responsibilities and adapt to the demands of a dynamic, fast‑paced educational environment.

CLEARANCES (Conditions for employment):

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
• Tuberculosis Screening

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Manassas Park City School Board is an equal opportunity employer, committed to nondiscrimination in recruitment, selection, hiring, pay, promotion or retention of employees or candidates for employment. Therefore, discrimination in employment against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, military status, genetic information or disability is prohibited, as required by federal and state laws and regulations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This job description is intended to reflect the general nature and level of work performed by the employee. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other responsibilities as necessary.