2026-2027 SY - Educational Assistant - Heritage Language Program

Gallup-McKinley County Schools; Gallup (NM); On-site; USD 26,778 - 33,393; Full time

Job summary

Gallup-McKinley County Schools is seeking an Educational Assistant for the Heritage Language Program to assist the teacher, support students in classroom activities, and maintain records. Responsibilities include guiding students, maintaining classroom discipline, and coordinating activities.

The ideal candidate will have a High School Diploma, a Level III Educational Assistant license, and experience in teaching assistance. This role offers a salary between $26,778 and $33,393, with working conditions aligned with teachers.

Qualifications

• 1 year of related teaching assistance experience is desirable.
• Must possess a Level III Educational Assistant license from the New Mexico Public Education Department.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in delivering course objectives and maintaining classroom discipline.
• Support students with assignments and help maintain records.
• Guide independent study and enrichment work.

Skills

Basic principles of early childhood development

Classroom management

Modern teaching practices

Clerical procedures

Communication in heritage language

Education

High School Diploma or equivalency

Level III Educational Assistant license

Tools

Computers

Office machines

Job description

Educational Assistant - Heritage Language Program

Contract Length: 194 Days

Salary Schedule: $26,778 - $33,393

The salary for this position will be pro‑rated from the start date for the 26-27 SY*.

Assistance duties: Assist the heritage language teacher in daily classroom activities; support students with assignments and homework; help maintain classroom discipline and assist in filing and other duties; teach students academic, social, and mother skills following State and District standards. Supports bilingual program with the goal of students becoming bilingual and biliterate.

Essential Functions

• Assist the classroom teacher or assigned professional in delivering course objectives and the outline of course of study following State and District curriculum guidelines.
• Assist teacher in implementing lesson plans; grading assignments and record keeping.
• Maintain appropriate files and records, including attendance and grade records; attach supporting documentation; ensure confidentiality of all records.
• Assist students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to reinforce learning concepts.
• Operate and care for classroom instructional equipment, including audiovisual and office machines.
• Provide instructional support to students with lesson assignments.
• Assist the teacher in teaching rules of conduct; help maintain order in the classroom and playground.
• Assist the teacher in maintaining a classroom environment conducive to age‑appropriate learning.
• Assist in coordinating field trips and cultural language program activities.
• Guide independent study, enrichment work and remedial work in line with State and District curriculum guidelines.
• Perform related duties as required.

Marginal Functions

Under teacher supervision, counsel pupils when adjustment or academic problems arise; discuss pupil’s academic and behavioral attitudes and achievements with parents.

Qualification Requirements

Knowledge of

• Basic principles of early childhood development including human growth, development and special education.
• Basic principles of classroom management.
• Modern, effective and innovative teaching practices and techniques.
• Modern office and classroom equipment, including computers.
• Basic principles of student growth, development and learning to enhance student learning.
• Basic clerical procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Principles and procedures of filing.
• Modern office procedures.
• Basic record keeping.
• Cultural diversities of the local area.

Ability to

• Perform general clerical work including maintaining files.
• Operate standard office machines including a computer.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing using the heritage language.
• Communicate with and obtain feedback from students to enhance learning.
• Appropriately apply basic principles of student growth, development and learning.
• Nurture, motivate, teach and influence children.
• Promote positive student behavior and a safe and healthy environment.
• Create a positive atmosphere conducive to promoting student involvement and self‑concept, recognizing student diversity.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contracted in the course of work.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to performance of duties.
• Maintain mental capacity which allows effective interaction and communication.
• Understand and respect cultural diversities, and Native American traditional beliefs and practices of students and families.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: One year of related teaching assistance experience is desirable.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalency.

Licensure: Applicant must possess a Level III Educational Assistant license from the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED).

Working Conditions

Classroom and field environment; work with computers; maintain same schedule as teachers or schedule established by supervisor.

Physical Conditions

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate to heavy lifting, and standing and walking for long periods of time.

All Applicants must upload a copy of your High School Diploma or equivalency. All Applicants must also upload copies of all college transcripts to verify hours.