ES Special Education IA
Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School in Worcester, MA is seeking a Special Education Instructional Assistant to support students with diverse needs in the elementary setting. You will work closely with the classroom teacher and SPED staff to implement lessons, support daily activities, and help students remain engaged and safe during instruction.
The role requires collaboration with parents and specialists, adherence to IEPs, and participation in ongoing professional development.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's Degree or higher in Education, Special Education, or related field preferred.
- Experience working with students with disabilities is highly preferred.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
- Patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to support students.
- Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and staff.
- Ability to lift, move, or assist students as necessary.
- Knowledge of general classroom practices and strategies for supporting students with special needs.
Responsibilities
- Assist the lead teacher in planning and implementing educational activities tailored to meet diverse needs.
- Provide one-on-one or small group support to students with disabilities, as directed by the teacher or case manager.
- Help students with daily activities, including mobility and personal care.
- Monitor student progress, document behaviors, and reinforce classroom routines.
- Collaborate with teachers, specialists, and parents to develop and implement IEPs.
- Support students with physical and emotional challenges to ensure participation.
- Assist with classroom management to create a safe learning environment.
- Attend meetings, trainings, and participate in professional development.
Skills
Education
Job description
Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Abby Kelley Foster Charter Elementary School - Worcester, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps
Job ID: 5920933
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Sep 10, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Type: Full-time
Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA
Job Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant
Location: Elementary School
Reports To: Building Principal in Partnership with the Special Education Department
Subordinates: None
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: School Year Instructional Assistant Salary Scale, $26,920 - $58,315
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Instructional Assistant to join our team. This individual will work closely with the classroom teacher and other school personnel to support students with special needs. The role involves providing direct assistance to students in the classroom, helping with lesson implementation, and offering personalized support based on individual student needs. This position is essential in fostering an inclusive learning environment and ensuring that students with diverse abilities have the tools and encouragement they need to succeed academically and socially.
This job description outlines the core duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be required in this role. The ideal candidate should be flexible and adaptable in meeting the evolving needs of the District.
- Assist the lead teacher in planning and implementing educational activities tailored to meet the diverse needs of students with special needs.
- Provide one-on-one or small group support to students with disabilities, as directed by the teacher or case manager.
- Help students with daily activities, including mobility, personal care, and maintaining focus during lessons.
- Monitor student progress, document behaviors, and assist with reinforcing classroom rules and routines.
- Collaborate with teacher, specialists, and parents to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Support students with physical and emotional challenges to ensure their participation in classroom activities.
- Assist with classroom management to create a safe and productive learning environment.
- Attend meetings, training sessions, and participate in ongoing professional development opportunities.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's Degree or higher in Education, Special Education, or related field preferred.
- Experience working with students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism, behavioral disorders, or other special needs, is highly preferred.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to support students in their academic and personal growth.
- Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other staff members.
- Ability to lift, move, or assist students in certain physical tasks as necessary.
- Knowledge of general classroom practices and strategies for supporting students with special needs.
- Background check and fingerprinting as required by Massachusetts regulations.
- Completion of any required training or certifications upon hire, including first aid, CPR, and behavior management training.
Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Full-Time Exempt Salary Position in accordance with the established Instructional Assistant Salary Scale. AKFCS also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
- Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS): Not Eligible
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- Life Insurance
- 403(b) & ROTH403(b) with Match
- Stipend for Professional/Personal Development
- Dash Pass (DoorDash)
- YMCA Discounts
- Comprehensive Private Leave of Absence Program (PFML)
- Sick Time with Sick Bank
- Personal Days
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Abby Kelley Foster Public Charter School is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.
OUR HISTORYLocated in Worcester, Massachusetts and founded in 1998, Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is named in honor of Abby Kelley Foster, a 19th century Worcester resident who was a leader in the abolitionist and women’s rights movements.Charter schools are independent public schools that operate under five-year charters granted by the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and governed by a Board of Directors/Trustees. Abby Kelley has had its Charter renewed consistently, without conditions, since 2003. Currently, the school is in the second year of its most recent five-year Charter term.Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is named in honor of Abby Kelley Foster, a 19th century Worcester resident who was a leader in the abolitionist and women’s rights movements.OUR MISSIONThe mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing a classical liberal arts education grounded in the great works of Western Civilization and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence and character formation.In support of this mission Abby Kelley each month (September -June) emphasizes a Character Virtue all students are encouraged to keep in mind in their day to day lives. The Abby Kelley Character Virtues are; Responsibility, Truth, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, True Friendship, Kindness, Perseverance, Self Discipline and Courage.OUR PARENTSAbby Kelley views parents as the primary educators of their children and encourages them to actively participate in our school’s community. To foster positive parental relationships, Abby Kelley offers frequent information sessions and encourages participation through parent/teacher groups, classroom volunteer opportunities and other school activities. Abby Kelley faculty develops positive relationships and communication with parents, as strong parent communication ensures progress toward academic and behavioral standards.OUR STUDENTSAbby Kelley is a K-12 district with 1,424 and 250 staff. The AKFCS students body is reflective of the diverse population in Worcester as 92% of our students are Worcester residents. Our students body is 86% BiPOC with 55% identifying as African American, 22% identifying as Hispanic, 14% identifying as White and 8.7% identifying as other ethnicities. At AKFCS 71% of our students are High Needs and 18% are English Language Learners (ELL).Currently, in our eleventh year of offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) for our High School students, the IB Programme develops inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better world through intercultural understanding and respect. The IB Programme encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners.Students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, team sports, clubs, and musical activities ranging from electives to full orchestra.Abby Kelley’s graduation rate is consistently at or above 96% and since 2019 the High School has consistently been ranked among the top 10% in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
- At least 1 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
- Associate degree preferred.
- Citizenship, residency or work visa required
- Yao Yumei , Director of Special Education
- 10 New Bond Street
- Worcester, Massachusetts 01606
- Phone: (508) 854-8400
- Fax: (508) 854-8484
- Email: yyao@akfcs.org
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