Instructional Assistant - Part Time - Zarahis Elementary School

Zaharis Elementary; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Zaharis Elementary School in Mesa, AZ is seeking an Instructional Assistant (Part-Time) to support teachers and students in daily classroom activities. The role focuses on reinforcing skills, assisting with instructional tasks, and handling light clerical duties to free teachers for planning and instruction.

This position offers a stable part-time schedule (21 hours/week) at an hourly rate of $16.56, with annual performance pay opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree or 60 college credits or passing the ParaPro Test required at hire.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with assigned teacher and students
• Assist students individually or in groups to reinforce skills
• Assist with classroom computer instruction
• Prepare instructional materials and bulletin boards
• Maintain instructional equipment and supplies
• Perform record keeping and clerical tasks (student records, schedules, etc.)
• Ensure regular and on-time attendance
• Support school initiatives and other duties as assigned

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

High School education or equivalent

Associate’s degree / 60 college credits / ParaPro testing

Job description

Instructional Assistant - Part Time - Zarahis Elementary School

Mesa USD 4 Zaharis Elementary - Mesa, Arizona

Job Details

Job ID: 5977015

Application Deadline: Dec 01, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)

Posted: Oct 29, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

• Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type: Part-time (21hours per week)

Base Hourly: $16.56

Class/Calendar: A11, 9.25months

Benefits: None

Performance Pay: Available annually

New Hire Experience: 1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to aten-year maximum

New Hire Education: 1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Job Summary: To provide assistance to the teacher in a variety of instructional activities and to relieve teacher of routine clerical tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work in close proximity with assigned teacher and students
• Assist students, individually or in groups, to reinforce skills and/or oversee learning activities
• Assist with classroom computer instruction
• Participate as a stakeholder in school improvement initiatives
• Develop classroom materials (i.e. instructional activities, bulletin boards, reference materials, etc.) to provide assistance to teacher in support of lesson plans
• Maintain instructional equipment to ensure the availability of items when required
• Perform record keeping and general clerical functions (i.e. student records, schedules, lesson plans, progress reports, etc.) to support the teacher and/or administrator in providing records and/or materials
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

• High School education or equivalent
• Associate’s degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the ParaPro Test provided by the district free of charge

Skills & Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability to work well with students, staff and parents; good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to operate general office machines
• Ability to organize and prioritize

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Works closely with special education teachers, general education staff, therapists, and administrators
• May be resource rooms, inclusion settings, or self-contained classrooms
• Supports students with disabilities, which may include intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities
• Each day can vary based on student needs, schedules, behavior, and support plans
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, bend, and kneel frequently throughout the day
• May need to lift or assist students who have physical disabilities, including transferring students to and from wheelchairs, standing frames, or other equipment (commonly 25–50 lbs, but sometimes more)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Position Type: Part-Time

Salary: $16.56 Per Hour

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required