Educational Assistant- Special Education Tier 3

Ernest Stapleton Elementary School; Rio Rancho (NM); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Ernest Stapleton Elementary School in Rio Rancho, NM is seeking an Educational Assistant for a Tier 3 role in the Special Education program for the 2026-2027 school year. The position is a 190-day contract/short-term assignment with duties including support for students with special needs, assistance to teachers, and daily living activities as required.

Applicants must hold or be able to obtain a New Mexico Level 3 Educational Assistant License and a NM Substitute License, and meet all standard

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must hold or be able to obtain a NM PED Level 3 Educational Assistant License
• Must hold or be able to obtain a NM PED Substitute License

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with preparation and delivery of instructional materials
• Assist in one-on-one and small group activities with students
• Assist in transferring students and supervising routines
• Support staff by performing duties tied to student care and daily living activities as needed
• Help maintain classroom order and contribute to a positive learning environment

Skills

Student support

Team collaboration

Education

New Mexico Level 3 K-12 Educational Assistant License

New Mexico Substitute License

Job description

Educational Assistant- Special Education Tier 3

Rio Rancho Public Schools Ernest Stapleton Elementary School - Rio Rancho, New Mexico Open in Google Maps

Rio Rancho Public Schools Ernest Stapleton Elementary School - Rio Rancho, New Mexico Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Rio Rancho Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5907824

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 28, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

This job posting is for Short Term 2026-2027 School Year

Ernest Stapleton Elementary School

190-day contract

Job Title: Educational Assistant/Substitute

Rio Rancho Public Schools (RRPS) requires all Educational Assistants to hold a Level 3 K-12 Educational Assistant License through the New Mexico Public Education Department. To qualify for a Level 3 License, applicants must show transcripts from an credentialing college or university, or must pass a paraprofessional exam, which will be administered by RRPS.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Must hold or be able to obtain a New Mexico Public Education Department Level 3 K-12 Educational Assistant License; and
• Must hold or be able to obtain a New Mexico Public Education Department Substitute License.

Educational Assistant Tiers

• Tier 1 Educational Assistants include all GE and Kindergarten Educational Assistants (i.e Library, Ed Tech, Workroom, etc.).
• Tier 2 Educational Assistants include those working in a Special Education setting with Special Education students and may include assisting in caring for student needs: such duties as feeding, cleaning, diapering, caring for catheter equipment (connecting, emptying, reconnecting catheter bag), toileting, feminine hygiene, clothing changes, transporting in wheelchairs, transferring to and from wheelchairs, and assisting with other daily living activities.
• Tier 3 Educational Assistants includes those working in a social communications classroom, a District approved behavioral program, a District approved cross categorical program or a District approved CBI program and may include assisting in caring for student needs: such duties as feeding, cleaning, diapering, caring for catheter equipment (connecting, emptying, reconnecting catheter bag), toileting, feminine hygiene, clothing changes, transporting in wheelchairs, transferring to and from wheelchairs, and assisting with other daily living activities. Tier 3 Educational Assistants will be identified by the Executive Director of Special Services. Tier 3 Educational Assistants may be expected to work with students through their lunch period.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Educational Assistants may be assigned to regular education, special education classrooms, to assist librarians, the school nurse, other professionals, or to monitor and manage the school workroom;
• Primary duties include: assisting teachers and professionals with preparation and/or delivery of instructional material;
• Assisting in one-on-one and small group activities;
• Assisting in transferring students;
• Assisting in caring for student needs: May include such duties as feeding, cleaning, diapering, caring for catheter equipment (connecting, emptying, reconnecting catheter bag), toileting, feminine hygiene, clothing changes, transporting in wheelchairs, transferring to and from wheelchairs, and assisting with other daily living activities;
• Assisting teacher and ancillary staff in implementing goals and objectives for each student;
• Assisting in management/re-direction of students who may be disruptive or combative;
• Assisting with supervision of students on the playground, cafeteria, restrooms, and hallways;
• Participating in staff meetings, in-service training as per negotiated agreement, other school activities;
• Complies with state-approved New Mexico Administrative Code of Ethical Responsibility of the Education Profession and the RRPS Employee Standards of Conduct and upholds and enforces rules, administrative directives and regulations, school board policies, and local, state and federal regulations;
• Performing clerical duties for teachers;
• Performing substitute duties as assigned; and
• Employee may be assigned other duties based on the needs of the District during the term of employment.

Work Hours: Work hours will be in accordance with hours determined by the school district and the individual schools within parameters of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

https://www.rrps.net/page/salaries

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Cheryl Clark , Principal
• Ernest Stapleton Elementary School
• Email: [e-mail]