2027-2028 ESL Instructional Assistant

Portsmouth Public Schools; Portsmouth (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Portsmouth Public Schools is seeking an ESL Instructional Assistant to support classroom teachers with ESL students. The role involves working with individuals or small groups, reinforcing material, and helping with routine activities and documentation.

Requires basic qualification as per NCLB mandates, including an associate degree or 48 college credits or ParaPro exam. Position is full-time, hourly pay range $18.93–$31.23, on-site in Portsmouth, VA.

Qualifications

• No Child Left Behind Act mandates appropriate qualification for paraprofessional roles.
• Ability to maintain confidential student records and prepare reports.
• Basic proficiency with classroom technology and instructional equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teacher with individual ESL students or small groups.
• Reinforce material introduced by teacher and provide practice activities.
• Prepare reports and assist with counseling sessions as needed.
• Escort students to classes, observe and document progress, and support with daily routines.

Education

Associate degree

48 semester credit hours

Para Pro exam

Job description

Starting Date: Immediately

2027-2028 ESL Instructional Assistant

Portsmouth Public Schools ESL/World Languages - Portsmouth, Virginia Open in Google Maps

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: ESL INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT REPORTS TO: BUILDINGPRINCIPAL/SUPERVISOR OVER-TIME STATUS: NON-EXEMPT PAY GRADE: 105

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs responsible human support and paraprofessional work assisting classroom teachers by working with individual ESL students or small groups; does related work as required. Work is performed under the regular supervision of assigned teachers, therapist or pathologist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assists classroom teacher in performing specific duties as assigned or undertaking specialized tasks to achieve and enhance instructional objectives;
• Maintains various records and files, keeps confidential files, test scores and related records;
• Works with individuals or small groups to reinforce material introduced by teacher;
• Provides programmed practice activities and repetitions;
• Prepares various reports, sets up counseling sessions, conducts orientation sessions;
• Verifies student records and grades for scholarships and awards; prepares honor roll;
• Assists with large group activities;
• Escorts students to special classes and therapy;
• Guides independent study and other work assigned by teacher;
• Advises teacher on student problems;
• Assists students with handicaps, assists with loading and unloading buses;
• Assists with breakfast, lunch, snack, clean-up, lavatory, clothing, personal hygiene, and wash-up routines;
• Participates in in-service training programs as assigned;
• Uses technology to enhance instructional programs;
• Performs related tasks as required

JOB SPECIFICATIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General knowledge of the practices, methods and techniques used in the teaching of special education population; ability to maintain confidential files and information and to compile reports; ability to deal effectively with special students and teachers; skill in the use of classroom and instructional equipment; ability to operate audio visual, standard office, word and data processing equipment; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, parents, students and the general public.

This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects, and some medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, and hazards.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Applicants must be highly qualified as mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act. Applicants must possess either of the following: an associate’s degree or 48 semester credit hours (2 years) at an accredited college or university, or have successfully passed the Para Pro exam (score of at least 455)

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $18.93 to $31.23 Per Hour

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Geraldine Jackson
• 801 Crawford Street
• Portsmouth, Virginia 23704
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

Job Details

Job ID: 5986207

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Nov 09, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately