Instructional Aide - (Gentry Middle School) 2026-27

Gentry Middle School; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Public Schools is seeking an Instructional Aide at Gentry Middle School in Columbia, MO, for the 2026-27 school year. The role focuses on supervising students, supporting classroom behavior, and assisting teachers to create a safe and productive learning environment.

The candidate will work in a full-time capacity, with caregiving tasks as needed, and may substitute when required. A flexible schedule and commitment to student success are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Missouri substitute teaching certificate or 36+ college credit hours, or an Associate degree.
• Preferred: Substitute Certificate or Teacher Certification.
• Ideal: Collaborative and able to work with diverse people, flexible schedule, and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Supervise arrival and dismissal of students.
• Assist teachers with students needing behavioral support.
• Work one‑on‑one or in small groups to reteach expectations.
• Provide direct caregiving services under supervision.
• Support classrooms and substitute when needed.
• Attend Student Support Team meetings to discuss options for student success.
• Assist with Buddy Pack program.

Skills

Collaborative teamwork

Strong communication skills

Flexible schedule

Education

36+ college credit hours

Associates degree

DESE substitute course (20 hours)

Tools

None

Job description

Instructional Aide - (Gentry Middle School) 2026-27

Columbia Gentry Middle School - Columbia, Missouri Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Columbia Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5957685

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 12, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

(Using a computer is suggested to complete application. Phones are not always compatible.)

POSITION PROPERTIES

Position Title

Instructional Aide – Middle School

Schedule / Grade

Full-time / IA

Job Code

16INSUP231

FLSA / FTE

Non-exempt /1.0 FTE

Calendar

INS AIDE

Benefits

Eligible(Retirees not benefit eligible)

Contract Type

Notification

Bargaining Unit

None

Revised Date

01/28/2026

PURPOSE

The purpose of this position is to support building operations through the supervision of students to help ensure a safe learning environment.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Supervise Arrival and Dismissal of Students
• Check-in with administrators to determine daily priorities
• Assist teachers with students who struggle to maintain appropriate classroom behaviors
• Work with students one‑on‑one, or within small groups to review and reteach expectations
• Provide direct caregiving services (i.e., feeding, toileting, personal care) under the supervision of teachers and staff.
• Push into classrooms to support students struggling to maintain appropriate behaviors in school and work with the teacher and student to help the student find success
• Supervise students for in‑school suspension when needed
• Help with recess and lunch supervision to support struggling students in less structured environments
• Substitute for staff members when no substitute can be procured
• Attend Student Support Team meetings to problem‑solve and discuss options to help students struggling with academics and/or behaviors
• Assist with Buddy Pack program

Perform other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS

All employees of the District are expectedto adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriatecertification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstratethe values of the district at all times. For information on polices, regulations and values, visit http://www.cpsk12.org.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To: Building Principal and Assistant Principal

Supervises: None

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum: Missouri substitute teaching certificate;36+ college credit hours, or Associates degree, or 20-hour DESE sub course.Prior experience in a school setting and/or working with young people.

Preferred: Substitute Certificate or Teacher Certification

Ideal candidate Is collaborative and enjoys working with people; Appreciates diversity and a flexible schedule where every day may be different; Has a desire to support students to be successful in the school environment; Can work with a variety of individuals and take; Is willing to take initiative and anticipate needs rather than be instructed on every task; Demonstrates a willingness to learn; Has strong communication skills

To performthis job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made so that individuals with disabilities can perform essential functions.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Language: Read, comprehend, and produce written and oral instructions, correspondence, and memos; Communicate one‑on‑one and in small groups

Computation: Add, subtract multiply and divide using units of American money, weight, volume and distance.

Reasoning: Understand and follow verbal and written instructions, Solve problems involving concrete variables within standardized situations

Other Skills: Establish and maintain positive relationships with others while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries; Demonstrate excellent oral, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; Demonstrate excellent listening skills

Physical Demands: Speak and hear in an environment where numerous conversations and activities may be taking place simultaneously; Move around a classroom to interact with and manage students/groups of students; Read handwritten or printed material; The selected applicant will frequently stand, stoop, bend and kneel; The selected applicant must physically assist students with feeding, self‑care, and toilet tasks as needed;The selected applicant may have to quickly follow or catch up to a mobile student and redirect the student back to the appropriate class or activity. The selected applicant must have both close and distance vision. These are essential functions of the job.

Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Conditions and Environment: The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active.

Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $20 to $28 Per Hour

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Support Staff > Supervisory Aide