Educational Assistant

Young World Physical Education; Ripley (TN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Ripley Elementary School in Ripley, TN is seeking an Educational Assistant to support students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom. The role involves implementing classroom programs, assisting with behavior management, and supervising students under the direction of certified staff.

The ideal candidate has at least a high school diploma or GED, and two years of experience with children; an associate’s degree or 48 college credits with passing Para-Professional Exam is favorable.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Associate’s degree, two years of college, or 48 credit hours or passing Para-Professional Exam with score 456.
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Ability to work with children with disabilities; ability to follow instructions; ability to communicate effectively; knowledge of general office equipment.

Responsibilities

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Assist students with physical disabilities including transferring and daily care.
• Help manage behavior and adapt to individual student needs.
• Supervise students during the day, including lunchroom, bus, and playground.

Skills

Ability to work with children with dis

Follow verbal and written instructions

Effective communication

General office equipment knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or 48 college credits or Para-Professional Exam

Job description

Lauderdale County School District Ripley Elementary School - Ripley, Tennessee Open in Google Maps

Educational Assistant

Job Details

Job ID: 5876047

Application Deadline: Aug 31, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Posted: Aug 07, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Job Title: Educational Assistant

Exemption Status: Nonexempt- Classified

Reports to: Principal and Teacher(s)

School: RipleyElementarySchool

Date Revised: 08/07/2026

Primary Purpose:

Help meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Qualifications

Education:

High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate

Associate’s degree, two years of study at an institution of higher learning, or have met formal academic assessment as required by the Para-Professional Exam, with a passing score of 456 or 48 credit hours of college.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to work with children with disabilities

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience:

Two (2) years experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Support

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

Student Management

• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting; positioning; or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed.
• Recognize differences in each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students

Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking and reaching

Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment

Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Special Education > Special Education Assistant

Student Services > Educational Technology

Job Requirements

• At least 2 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• High School/Trade School degree preferred.

Contact Information

• Ms. Jessica Newman , Principal
• Ripley Elementary School
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]