ESS Assistant

Great Hearts Online; Buckeye, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional Benefits (medical, dental,

Matching 401K

Job summary

Great Hearts Academies is hiring a Special Education Instructional Assistant in Buckeye, AZ to support both general education and SPED classrooms under certified teachers. The role emphasizes assisting with assignments, behavior support, and daily classroom routines in a collaborative environment.

The position is non-exempt, hourly, with an $16–$18 per hour rate and opportunities for professional development and growth within the academy network. US work authorization required.

Qualifications

• High school degree or higher required.
• Associate degree preferred or two years/60 credit hours.

Responsibilities

• Support students in small groups or 1:1.
• Assist students with assignments, homework, projects.
• Adapt materials and provide modifications to help students learn the material.
• Help students understand and reinforce classroom rules.
• Monitor student behavior and implement behavior management strategies.
• Assist with transitions and personal care needs as needed.
• Provide general clerical support for the ESS Team.
• Attend meetings and trainings.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

High school degree or higher

Associate degree preferred

Job description

Position Title

Special Education Instructional Assistant

Location

Great Hearts Roosevelt (555 S Jackrabbit Rd, Buckeye, AZ)

Reports To

Headmaster

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt, Hourly

Hourly Rate

$16-$18

Job Description

The Instructional Assistant is a non-certified assistant to the Special Education Program at the academy for both general education and special education resource classrooms. The assistant will work to support students in all settings on campus under the direction of and in collaboration with the certified Special Education teachers and General Education teachers. Additional duties may be included, depending on the experience and expertise of the candidate and the specific academy needs.

Distinctive benefits for Great Hearts faculty

• Exceptional Benefits (medical, dental, vision etc.) with minimal employee cost
• Matching 401K program
• Uniquely valuable professional development offerings, from great books seminars with academy colleagues, to leadership and special education coursework/pathways, to reduced tuition graduate degree support with select partner universities

Roles and Responsibilities

Academic Support

• Supports students in small groups or 1:1
• Assist students with assignments, homework, projects
• Understanding how to adapt materials and provide modifications to help students learn the material
• Help students understand the classroom rules and reinforce the classroom rules

Behavior Support

• Monitor student behavior to ensure safety and appropriate interactions.
• Implement behavior management strategies
• Assist students with developing social skills, appropriate interactions, and positive behaviors
• Assist with de-escalating student behaviors and ask for support for General Education Teacher and Special Education Team Members as needed
• Reinforces SDI concepts that have already been in effect

Additional Support

• Help students with transitions and activities.
• Support students with personal hygiene needs such as toileting, feeding, and dressing
• Support students with mobility and adaptive equipment
• Provides general clerical support for the ESS Team

Additional Duties

• Attend meetings and training sessions
• Help maintain a clean and organized work area
• Provide a supportive and positive learning environment

Required/Preferred Education

• High school degree or higher
• Ideally, candidates will hold an associate's degree or higher.
• Associate degree (preferred) or two years/60 credit hours of higher education or a passing score on an appropriate ADE assessment.

Required/Preferred Experience

• Has experience in special education.

Required/Preferred Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and an interest in reading great books.

Physical Functions

• Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching.
• May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.

Work Authorization

US work authorization is required, but we do accept OPT/CPT candidates.

Other Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.

Travel

Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.

Job Description Clarification

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Philosophy

Our purpose is to cultivate the minds and hearts of students through the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Great Hearts Academies leads the way in classical, liberal arts education. We are a growing network of charter schools and private Christian schools, expanding in existing and new regions across Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas. Whether you are seeking teaching, leadership, or campus support opportunities, we have established a mission-driven culture and emphasis on learning and growing, professionally and personally. At Great Hearts, we provide a calling to shape the future through an education that fosters human flourishing and academic excellence. We celebrate diversity and welcome individuals from all backgrounds—inside and outside education—who bring unique perspectives and ideas to enrich our community. Through meaningful conversations and collaboration, we foster a strong, supportive cohort of educators. At Great Hearts, your passion and expertise will thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment. Learn how you can grow both in mind and heart as an employee of Great Hearts.