2026-27 Instructional Assistant, Bilingual Elementary

Mcallen-Independent-School-District; North Depot Road Colonia (TX); On-site; USD 19,286 - 26,174; Full time

Job summary

McAllen Independent School District is seeking an Instructional Assistant, Bilingual Elementary at Thigpen-Zavala Elementary School in McAllen, TX. The role supports Emergent Bilingual students under teacher guidance, assisting with activities, materials, and classroom setup.

Ideal candidates have an associate degree (or 48 college hours) and a paraprofessional certificate, with bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 48 college hours required.
• Paraprofessional Certification preferred (required upon employment).
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish for EB students.

Responsibilities

• Assist EB students under teacher guidance throughout the school day.
• Support bilingual programs and EB student services as needed.
• Prepare instructional materials and classroom displays for EB learners.
• Maintain a respectful, organized classroom environment and assist with routines.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Classroom management

Interpersonal skills

Basic computer skills

Education

Associate degree or 48 college hours

Paraprofessional Certification

Tools

Word processing

Job description

2026-27 Instructional Assistant, Bilingual Elementary

McAllen Independent School District Thigpen-Zavala Elementary School - McAllen, Texas Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5858086

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Jul 28, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assist the teachers serving Emergent Bilingual (EB) students in the preparation, management and delivery of classroom activities and administrative requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Associate degree or a minimum of 48 college hours, required

Paraprofessional Certification, preferred (required upon employment)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Strong interpersonal skills; ability to read, write, and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing in English and Spanish; ability to work with EB students; ability to follow directions and carry out assigned tasks, independently and in an organized manner, basic computer skills such as keyboard/word processing, preferred; and a sincere interest in positive attitude.

Experience:

One (1) year of experience in school setting, preferred

Background in working with EL students, preferred

Days: 187

Hourly Pay Range:

Minimum: $14.00

Maximum: $19.34

Note:Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist in supervising EB students throughout the school day, both inside and outside the classroom.

2. Serve as a resource to principals and teachers in the implementation of bilingual programs and services for EB students.

3. Work with individual EB students or small groups to conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher(s).

4. Assist the teacher(s) in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays for the EB students.

5. Keep teacher(s) informed of any special needs or problems of individual students.

6. Assist in maintaining a classroom environment that exemplifies high expectations, quality and student success.

7. Assist in making parent contacts as appropriate and within the confines of academic issues of the student.

8. Direct student in need of further assistance to the appropriate pupil services personnel (counselor, social worker, psychologist, etc.).

9. Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of fully licensed teacher.

10. Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations and state and local board policy.

11. Assist in inventory, care and maintenance of equipment.

12. Participate in in-service training programs, as assigned.

13. Maintain discretion and confidentiality.

14. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.

15. Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator) in accordance with funding source guidelines.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

Classroom equipment; copier, computer, multimedia equipment, and other classroom/office technology.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Ability to maintain emotional control and to communicate clearly in stressful situations; make rational decisions under stressful circumstances; deal with EB students in a firm, supportive, but non-emotional manner; dependability and punctuality.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Long periods of time standing; ability to assist in restraining students in crisis situations; occasional lifting or moving up to 45 pounds and over; monitor students for a prolonged period of time; monitor multi-tasks/projects; develop effective relationship with campus staff, students and parents.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $14 to $19.34 Per Hour

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Maricela Chapa , Principal
• Thigpen-Zavala Elementary School
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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