High School Special Education Educational Associate

Ames Community School District; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 22,041 - 24,796; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance (full‑t

Life Insurance (full‑time)

Long‑Term Disability Insurance (full‑t

Paid Time Off

IPERS Retirement

Job summary

Ames Community School District is seeking Special Education Educational Associates for the 2026-2027 school year. The positions are full-time and benefits-eligible.

Under supervision, you will support teachers and students, assist with instructional activities, manage behavior, and help with record keeping and classroom organization. Responsibilities include supervising students, aiding in integrated classes, and assisting with medical or personal care needs as directed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
• Basic computer skills including Google Docs and email.
• Good communication with students, staff and families.
• Ability to work with students with diverse needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist teacher with instructional activities and student support.
• Help manage student behavior and maintain a safe learning environment.
• Assist with record keeping and daily documentation.
• Assist in all areas of personal hygiene and student care as needed.
• Support in integrated classes, recess and lunchtime activities.
• Prepare lesson materials and collect data for progress notes.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Professional communication

Lift up to 50 lbs

Interpersonal skills

Active listening

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Google Docs

Email

Job description

Ames High School is seeking Special Education Educational Associates for the 2026-2027 school year. Full-time positions are benefits-eligible.

Summary

Under the supervision of an administrator and special education teacher, assists the teacher in the education of students, including instructional assistance, management of student behavior, record keeping, classroom safety, security and organization, and interaction and communication with students and staff. Provides direct and indirect educationally related services to disabled students and assists the special education teacher in creating a positive learning environment to facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual development of students.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:15 am‑4:00 pm, 9.5‑month position.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Assists students in interpreting and following the teacher's directions.
• Assists students with classroom assignments during independent work time and/or workstations.
• Works with individual students or groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills prepared by the teacher.
• Accompanies and assists students in integrated classes, recess, and lunch.
• Assists classroom teachers with the collection and preparation of materials needed for lessons.
• Assists the teacher with student record keeping/daily documentation.
• Supervises and enforces building/individual discipline procedures in all educational settings both in and out of school according to the supervisor's directions.
• Assists with medical, health, and/or behavior‑related needs of students as instructed by the administrator, teacher, or nurse.
• Administers medication and first aid if identified.
• Assists in all aspects of personal hygiene.
• Corrects assignments, data collection and entry; maintain records, copying, and clerical as assigned.
• Participates in professional development as requested by the administration.
• Alerts the principal or teacher to any problem and special information about an individual student.
• Interacts effectively with various constituent groups, including but not limited to students, co‑workers, parents, staff and administration.
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of licensed teachers.
• Knowing the District must have regular and dependable employees to meet its mission of educating children, daily attendance and punctuality is required.
• Attends work on a consistent and punctual basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

The Successful Candidate Will Exhibit

• Basic understanding of the needs of children.
• Ability to relate effectively to children of all ages and with different academic and behavioral needs.
• Patience and compassion and a caring and helpful relationship with children.
• Basic computer skills including but not limited to: word processing using Google Docs or similar tools, internet searching, and email skills.
• Professional communications skills, both written and oral, including active listening skills.
• Ability to physically lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to bend, lift, sit on floor, run short distances, and assist physically active students.
• Emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved.
• Initiative and the insight to anticipate problem situations and respond accordingly.
• Ability to take directions, work with minimal supervision, and follow policies and practices.

Benefits

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance (full‑time employees)
• Life Insurance (full‑time employees)
• Long‑Term Disability Insurance (full‑time employees)
• Paid Time Off
• IPERS Retirement

Pay Rate

Level 2 Educational Associate: $16.20 per hour. Level 3 Educational Associate: $17.80 per hour.

Ames CSD is an E-Verify employer. The Ames CSD is an EEO/AA employer.