2026-27 Instructional Assistant/SPED Resource HQ - Shea MS

Young World Physical Education; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 19,889 - 28,326; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

ASRS

Paid Sick/Personal Time

Medical and optional Dental/Vision

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is seeking an Instructional Assistant for Shea Middle School, starting Aug 3, 2026. The role involves supporting special needs students, adapting classroom activities, and ensuring a safe learning environment.

Ideal candidates should hold a high school diploma and possess skills in communication and safety practices. The position offers a competitive pay of $17.50/hour and includes benefits like medical coverage and paid sick leave.

Qualifications

• Skills in safety practices and record maintenance.
• Knowledge of instructional procedures and child development.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Support special needs students in various classrooms.
• Assist in implementing instructional plans.
• Monitor student behavior during non-classroom time.

Skills

Adhering to safety practices

Operate standard office equipment

Prepare and maintain records

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CPR Certificate

First Aid Certificate

QBS Certificate

Job description

2026-27 Instructional Assistant/SPED Resource HQ - Shea MS

Starting Date: Aug 3, 2026

Job Description

Location: Shea Middle School

Schedule: 9 months, 6.75 hours/day

Grade/Pay: Grade 17, $17.50/hour

Position Type: Non-Interim

Dates: 8/3/2026 - 5/27/2027

Benefits: ASRS, Paid Sick/Personal Time, Medical and optional Dental/Vision

Positions available: 2

Highly Qualified (HQ) Requirements:

• HS Diploma or GED and one of the following
• 60 postsecondary hours of college coursework; or
• AA degree; or
• Passing of ParaPro Assessment
• ETS Parapro Assessment ( https://www.ets.org/parapro )
• ACT Workkeys ( http://www.act.org )
• The Master Teacher Para Educator ( http://www.masterteacher.com/ParaEducator-PD-Now )

Purpose Statement

The job of Instructional Assistant- Special Education is to provide support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom, a self-contained classroom and/or with an individual student; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; and providing information to appropriate school personnel.

This job reports to Teacher and/or Site Administrator.

Essential Functions

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Administers tests, homework, make-up work, etc. for supporting teachers in the classroom.
• Assists medically fragile, physically disabled, or developmentally delayed students for maintaining personal hygiene and immediate healthcare needs.
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures) for acquiring and conveying information relative to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents for evaluating progress and implementing IEP objectives.
• Escorts students to bathrooms, offices, and classrooms for efficient and safe arrivals/downloads.
• Implements behavior plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions to reinforce learning concepts.
• Intervenes in potential conflicts using appropriate physical and/or therapeutic approaches to diffuse confrontations and minimize disruptions.
• Documents instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records to ensure availability and meet mandated requirements.
• Models conversation, manners, clean‑up activities, listening, job skills, and everyday interactions to demonstrate appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Monitors students’ daily schedules and behavior plans for maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within various school environments (e.g., rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots).
• Performs general clerical functions (copying, filing, data entry) to support the instructional program.
• Provides instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities for reinforcing objectives, implementing IEP plans, assisting adaptation to mainstream classrooms/workplaces, and ensuring student success in school.
• Remains with students at all times for safety, removes students when necessary, and de‑escalates situations outside the classroom.
• Responds to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

• Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

Skills required: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge required: basic math, reading manuals, writing documents following prescribed formats, presenting information, understanding complex, multi‑step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge areas: instructional procedures and practices; age‑appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; stages of child development/behavior.

Abilities required: scheduling activities; gathering and collating data; using job‑related equipment; flexibility to work with others; problem solving; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; teamwork; coping with constant interruptions; maintaining positive rapport with students, employees, and community.

Experience and Education

Experience: Job related experience is desired.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Certificates and Licenses

• CPR Certificate
• First Aid Certificate
• QBS Certificate (maintaining certificates and/or licenses)

Clearances

• Criminal Background Clearance
• Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

EEO Statement

Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 or Title II of the Genetic Information Non‑Discrimination Act of 2008 may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.