2026-2027 - Re-advertised - SY - Special Education Assistant (PA) - Elementary

Gallup-McKinley County Schools; Ramah (NM); On-site; USD 27,045 - 33,728; Full time

Job summary

Gallup-McKinley County Schools seeks a Special Education Assistant (Program Assistant) for elementary students at Ramah Elementary. The role supports IEP goals, assists in lesson delivery, and helps maintain student records in a confidential environment.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and an Educational Assistant license, with duties including supervision, material preparation, and collaboration with teachers to support diverse learners in an on-site setting.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of classroom management and diverse cultural contexts.
• Ability to administer emergency first aid and ensure student safety.
• Strong communication skills in writing and speaking.

Responsibilities

• Assist specialist/professional in implementing IEP goals and objectives for assigned student(s).
• Assist teacher with lesson delivery, grading, and record keeping.
• Maintain confidential records and supporting documentation.
• Help students individually or in groups with assignments to reinforce concepts.
• Operate classroom equipment and prepare materials; use AV equipment as needed.
• Supervise students during drills, assemblies, play, lunch, and field trips.

Skills

Classroom management

Cultural awareness

Emergency first aid

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Educational Assistant license

Job description

Job Title

Special Education Assistant (Program Assistant) Elementary

Location

Ramah Elementary

Hours & Contract

Work Hours: 7.5 hours/Day

Contract Length: 194 Days

Salary

Minimum Salary: $27,045.00

Maximum Salary: $33,728.00

Essential Functions

Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist specialist/professional in delivering the educational plan and meeting the goals and objectives of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) of assigned student(s).
• Assist teacher in implementing lesson plan; grading assignments and record keeping.
• Maintain appropriate files and records; attach all supporting documentation; ensure confidentiality of all records and files.
• Assist students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning concepts.
• Operate and care for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes; operates and cares for various audio visual equipment and operates various office machines to prepare classroom materials.
• Assist with supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, lunch and field trips.
• Assist in providing special medical needs of students.
• Provide close supervision of students with behavior problems in the classroom, support the teacher's management system.

Marginal Functions

• Delivers educational services to children who are homebound due to health limitations, distance from school, etc.
• Assist physically challenged student(s) with eating, dressing, personal hygiene and mobility functions when needed.
• Prepare regular and special diet meals; operate choppers, blenders, mixers, and other equipment; and make adjustments to regulate ovens, or other cooking equipment.
• Assist in serving meals, paying particular attention to portioning, garnishing and meeting Federal meal requirements on each meal served.
• Daily travel from site to site, and from home to home.

Qualification Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Classroom management
• Cultural diversities of the local area and the traditional Native American beliefs of students and families.

Ability To

• Administer and provide emergency first aid services to children.
• Promote positive child behavior and a safe and healthy environment.
• Handle and maintain the records of students in a confidential manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance fo assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Understand and respect the cultural diversities, and Native American traditional beliefs and practices, of students and their families.

Experience And Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Some related experience including public contact is desirable.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.

Licensure

• Applicant must possess a Level III Educational Assistant license from the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED).
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid First Aid Certificate.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Food Handlers Permit, if required.

Work Environment

On-site attendance is mandatory for this position.

Environmental Conditions

Office and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to human body fluids and cleaning and/or sterilization chemicals.

Physical Conditions

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time, moderate to heavy lifting and repeated bending.

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.