Instructional Assistant

Ocotillo Elementary School; Sweetwater (OK); On-site; USD 20,870 - 23,584; Full time

Job summary

Ocotillo Elementary School is seeking a full-time instructional aide in Sweetwater, Oklahoma, to assist teachers in the classroom. The role involves supporting students in their learning, monitoring behavior, and communicating with parents regarding student progress.

The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma or equivalent, with experience working with children. The position offers a salary range of $15.15 to $17.12 per hour, depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) prior to being hired.
• Six months of working with children in a learning environment.
• Must obtain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in a classroom environment and prepare materials.
• Monitor students on the playground and cafeteria.
• Communicate with parents regarding student progress.

Skills

Proficiency in English

Child development theories

Basic mathematical concepts

Maintaining student discipline

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

60 college credit hours or associate's degree

Job description

Washington Elementary School District 6 Sweetwater – Phoenix, Arizona

Job Details

Job ID: 5679159
Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Apr 27, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Aug 7, 2026

Pay Grade: A (Non-Exempt Support Staff Salary Placement)
Department: Varies
Accountable To: Teacher
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Calendar: 195 days
Creation/Revision Date: July 10, 2019

Job Summary

Under direct supervision, incumbents provide assistance to teachers in a classroom environment by providing materials and handouts to students, working with students individually or in groups on special projects or assignments, demonstrating skills and techniques, communicating with parents regarding specific concerns, providing input to lesson plans and daily activities, photocopying materials and preparing classrooms for various activities. In addition, incumbent(s) monitors students on the playground and in the cafeteria.

Essential Functions

• Works with students individually or in groups on special projects or assignments including spelling, reading, mathematics, comprehension levels and memorization of emergency information. Demonstrates skills and techniques to aid in student learning. Monitors student behavior and enforces school and classroom standards and policies.
• Monitors students and ensures safety on the playground and the cafeteria area before school, during breakfast and lunch, and during recess. Reports any unusual incidents or injury to school administration. Accompanies students from classrooms to other areas including the library, playground, cafeteria and buses to ensure orderly behavior.
• Maintains discipline by monitoring student behavior and taking appropriate action including determining when to give a warning and when a formal notice should be written. Prepares incident documents including disciplinary actions and documentation for unusual incidents. Monitors student progress in reading and/or mathematics.
• Copies and prepares educational materials as needed.
• Prepares classrooms for activities including setting up tables and chairs and handing out materials. Performs cleanup after activities including picking up toys and trash, washing tables and chairs and rearranging furniture.
• Communicates with parents regarding progress and concerns including improvements in specific academic areas, truancy and behavioral problems. Interprets communications between teachers and parents when necessary.
• Assists teachers in planning and coordinating lesson plans by sharing ideas and providing feedback from the students.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) prior to being hired, completion of 60 college credit hours, associate’s degree from an accredited college or university, or successfully passed an Arizona State approved paraprofessional test (offered by WESD at no cost and must pass prior to being hired).
• Six months of working with children in a learning environment or related experience.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC).
• Non‑Title I Schools (LM and AL)
• All Title I Schools:
  • High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) prior to being hired.
  • Completion of 60 college credit hours, associate’s degree from an accredited college or university, or successfully passed a Arizona State approved paraprofessional test (offered by WESD at no cost and must pass prior to being hired).
  • Must receive CPR certification within thirty days of hire date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in English and target language.
• Valid cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Demonstrating child development theories.
• Knowing basic mathematical concepts.
• Using typical activities within a classroom environment.
• Working with children.
• Maintaining student discipline.
• Demonstrating appropriate techniques and procedures.
• Facilitating group activities in a learning environment.
• Reviewing completed work assignments.
• Preparing classroom for various activities.
• Reading and following lesson plans.
• Applying school rules, policies and procedures.
• Engaging and encouraging communication skills while interacting with supervisors, staff, students, etc. to exchange information.

Physical Requirements

During the course of job duties the employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Position Type

Full‑Time

Salary

$15.15 to $17.12 per hour

Job Categories

• Instructional Support > Individual Aide
• Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA
• Instructional Support > Tutor
• Support Staff > Supervisory Aide

Contact Information

• Susan Smith, Principal
• Sweetwater
• Phone: 602‑896‑6505
• Email: [e-mail]

Equity and Opportunity Statement

Washington Elementary School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Washington Elementary School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in employment or in any of its educational programs or in the provisions of benefits and services to students.