2026-27 Special Education Instructional Assistant

Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School & Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School & Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School in Worcester, MA seeks a Special Education Instructional Assistant to support students with disabilities across grades K–7. The role may include 1:1 paraprofessional work, push-in support in general education, or self-contained classroom assistance under the special education teacher.

We value inclusive education, strong relationships with students, and flexibility to adapt to varied needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience working with students with disabilities.
• Familiarity with IEPs, accommodations and modifications.
• Ability to support students across a range of disabilities, including ELL with IEPs.
• Bilingual candidates preferred (English/Portuguese or English/Spanish).

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to students with IEPs across academics, behavior, social-emotional, and daily living skills.
• Implement accommodations and IEP goal-aligned strategies with fidelity.
• Support access to Learning Expeditions and project-based curriculum.
• Build trust with students and reduce need for adult support over time.
• Communicate observations to the special education teacher regularly.

Skills

Patience

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Familiarity with IEPs

Bilingual English/Spanish or English/葡

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or related coursework

Job description

2026-27 Special Education Instructional Assistant

Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School & Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School, Worcester, Massachusetts. Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5936281

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 22, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School is seeking a patient, skilled, and student-centered Special Education Instructional Assistant to support students with disabilities across grades K–7. Depending on student need, this role may involve working as a dedicated 1:1 paraprofessional, providing push-in support in general education classrooms, or supporting instruction in our self-contained special education setting — always under the direction and supervision of our special education teacher.

We are looking for someone who brings genuine commitment to inclusive education, the ability to build trusting relationships with students who have complex needs, and the flexibility to show up differently every day based on what students require.

Candidates who reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of our Worcester community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Who We Are

Worcester Cultural Academy (WCA) is a growing charter public school that opened in August 2023 with a vision of becoming a K–8 community. We launched as a K–4 school and have added a grade every year since — this fall we welcome our first 7th graders. As an EL (Expeditionary Learning) Education school, we believe in hands‑on learning that challenges students to grow in three dimensions: mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high‑quality work. We partner with organizations like the EcoTarium, Worcester Art Museum, and Hanover Theater, anchoring our curriculum in Learning Expeditions that make learning meaningful and real.

Our faculty and staff — our “Adult Crew” — show up for students and each other every day. As a Special Education Instructional Assistant, you will be an essential part of how we ensure every student at WCA has genuine access to a rich, ambitious education.

What You’ll Do

The specific configuration of this role will be determined based on student need and may include one or more of the following settings: 1:1 paraprofessional support, push-in services in general education classrooms, and/or support in the self‑contained special education classroom. All work is carried out under the direction and supervision of the special education teacher.

Direct Student Support

• Provide individualized support to students with IEPs across academic, behavioral, social‑emotional, and daily living skill areas, as directed by the special education teacher
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and IEP goal‑aligned strategies consistently and with fidelity
• Support students’ access to Learning Expeditions and grade‑level content, helping them participate meaningfully in WCA’s project‑based curriculum
• Assist students in developing independence, self‑advocacy, and self‑regulation skills — with the goal of reducing reliance on adult support over time
• Provide 1:1 support to an assigned student as needed, following their individual behavior support plan and IEP goals with consistency and care

Push‑In and Inclusive Classroom Support

• Support students with IEPs in general education classrooms, working alongside classroom teachers to ensure meaningful inclusion
• Implement push-in support strategies as directed by the special education teacher, including scaffolding, prompting, and data collection
• Help create and maintain an inclusive classroom environment where students with disabilities are full participants in the learning community
• Communicate observations about student performance and needs to the special education teacher on an ongoing basis

Self‑Contained Classroom Support

• Assist the special education teacher in delivering instruction in the self‑contained classroom setting
• Support small group and individual activities, helping students engage with academic content and meet IEP goals
• Assist with transitions, routines, and classroom management in the self‑contained setting
• Help maintain a structured, predictable, and supportive environment that meets the sensory and emotional needs of students

Student Wellbeing and Community

• Build warm, consistent, and trusting relationships with students that support their sense of safety and belonging
• Support students during arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and other non‑instructional times
• Respond to behavioral needs using positive, trauma‑informed, and restorative approaches consistent with WCA’s school culture and individual student plans
• Communicate observations about student wellbeing, progress, and concerns promptly to the special education teacher and appropriate school staff

Data, Documentation, and Professional Responsibilities

• Collect and record data on student progress toward IEP goals as directed by the special education teacher
• Assist with preparation of instructional materials and student learning environments
• Participate in team meetings, IEP meetings as appropriate, professional development, and school‑wide events
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student records, IEP information, and all matters related to students with disabilities
• Perform other duties as assigned by the special education teacher or school leader

What You Bring

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required; Associate’s degree or coursework in Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred
• Experience working with students with disabilities in a school, clinical, therapeutic, or community setting
• Familiarity with IEPs, accommodation and modification implementation, and special education practices
• Ability to support students across a range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and developmental delays
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn positive behavior support strategies, trauma‑informed care, and restorative approaches
• Patience, consistency, and the ability to maintain composure in challenging moments
• Strong communication and collaboration skills — you take direction well, ask good questions, and keep the right people informed
• Ability to support students with a wide range of learning and behavioral needs, including English Language Learners who also have IEPs
• Flexibility and a positive, solution‑oriented attitude in a dynamic school environment
• Commitment to inclusive education and to the belief that students with disabilities belong fully in our school community
• Must successfully pass all required background checks including CORI and SORI screening
• Bilingual (English/Portuguese or English/Spanish) and bicultural candidates strongly preferred

Position Details

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $19–$25 per hour, based on experience

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30AM–3:30PM

Work Location: In person

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Job Requirements

• At least 3 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Associate degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Welcome to Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School

Worcester Cultural Academy (WCA) is a free charter public school located in Worcester, MA opening in August 2023 with grades Kindergarten through 4th grade, and will grow to a K-8 school. The school is partnering with EL Education (formerly known as Expeditionary Learning) to grant students an opportunity to connect what they are learning in classrooms to real‑world applications through high‑quality learning experiences. Through project‑based learning, case studies, and fieldwork conducted with the leading cultural institutions and museums of central Massachusetts, WCA fosters intellectual curiosity and encourages students to become articulate communicators, critical thinkers, and skilled problem solvers who care for themselves, others around them, and their community. A culture of quality permeates the school and our students will graduate with an understanding of how they learn best and how to advocate for the resources they need for success.

Contact Information

• Jackie Putnam
• 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road
• Sturbridge, Massachusetts 01566
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]