Classroom Assistant for Special & Alternative Education

Young World Physical Education; West Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative in West Springfield, MA is seeking a Classroom Assistant for Special & Alternative Education. This full-time, school-year role supports teachers, assists students with disabilities, and helps with supervision and classroom management.

The position involves duties from field trips to material preparation, with emphasis on IEPs, behavior plans, and safe, respectful student interactions. Starting immediately with 184 days in the school year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or equivalent not required but preferred.
• Experience working with children and students with disabilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review modifications and accommodations in the student’s IEP.
• Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeteria, gym, and fields.
• Monitor student use of technology and assist with behavior plans.
• Assist in core academic areas (Math, ELA, History, Science) as needed.
• Proctor MCAS exams and support portfolio preparation.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Associate’s Degree in Education or related field

Job description

Classroom Assistant for Special & Alternative Education

Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative - West Springfield, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Classroom Assistant for Special & Alternative Education

Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative - West Springfield, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5872434

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 05, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

As a full-time, school-year position (184 days), the Classroom Assistant’s primary responsibility is to assist the classroom teacher with general supervision and student management. The assistant has specific responsibilities for assisting special education students during school and/or special activities. Classroom Assistant assignments are determined yearly at the Program Supervisor’s/Assistant Principal’s discretion in conjunction with the program's needs.

Perform non-teaching duties assigned by and under the direction of the teacher. Duties may include, but are not limited to, supervising individuals and groups, assisting on field trips, preparing and duplicating educational materials, assisting with attendance and other record-keeping, escorting students within the school, and maintaining the classroom.

• 2. Review modifications and accommodations documented in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• 3. Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, fields, and gymnasiums.
• 4. Monitor student use of technology.
• 5. Review and implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
• 6. Implement program-wide behavior management plans.
• 7. Assist in the core academic areas, including, but not limited to, Math, ELA, History, and Science, at all levels.
• 8. Proctor MCAS exams and support teachers in preparing MCAS ALTS and portfolios.
• 9. Display the highest ethical and professional behavior in working with students, parents, guardians, caregivers, school personnel, co-workers, and community members.
• 10. Serve as a role model for students and staff in demonstrating positive attitudes, appropriate attire and grooming, and a practical work ethic.
• 11. Treat all children and staff with dignity, respect, and kindness.
• 12. Prepare reports (e.g., incident reports, student misconduct reports, etc.) to document activities, provide written references, convey information, and/or comply with established guidelines.
• 13. Report observations and/or incidents (e.g., discipline, accidents, inappropriate social behavior, etc.) to communicate information to appropriate personnel for their action.
• 14. Abide by LPVEC guidelines for educational staff and LPVEC personnel policies.
• 15. Maintain confidentiality of records and information gained about children, their families, and other employees as part of exercising professional duties.
• 16. Attend work regularly and on time.
• 17. Attend mandatory staff meetings, in-service trainings, and Open Houses.
• 18. All school employees have some responsibility for supervising students and assisting in maintaining a safe environment.
• 19. Perform other related duties as assigned by the teacher, Program Supervisor/Assistant Principal, or the Director of Special and Alternative Education to ensure the program's efficient and effective functioning.

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $24,356 to $29,515 Per Year

Special Education > Alternative Learning Environment

Special Education > General Special Education

Special Education > Learning Disabled

Job Requirements

• EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
• 1. Associate’s Degree in Education or a related field preferred, or ability to complete requirements to obtain and maintain “highly qualified” status as defined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
• 2. Must be 18 years of age or older.
• 3. Evidence of successful experience working with children.
• 4. Experience working with students with disabilities and special and alternative programs preferred, though other related experience will be considered.
• 5. Basic understanding of educational methods, the interdisciplinary team approach to education, and some knowledge of special education laws and regulations.
• 6. Such alternatives to the above as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.
• Minimum Requirements:
• 1. Required attendance at work; any and all absences must be approved by the Program Supervisor/Assistant Principal.
• 2. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all educational stakeholders.
• 3. Excellent time management skills, including the ability to triage/prioritize competing needs.
• 4. Good verbal and written communication skills, including the proven ability to effectively communicate with students and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• 5. Proven ability to relate to and work with various constituencies, including but not limited to: administrators, teachers, other school staff members, parents/guardians, students, visitors, and community and social service agencies.
• 6. Knowledge of student support services and interventions.
• 7. Such alternatives to the above as the LPVEC Board of Directors may find appropriate and acceptable.
• Associate degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Martha von Mering , Director Special education
• 174 Brush Hill Avenue
• West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]