Instructional Assistant (Self-Contained)

Hawthorn School District 73; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawthorn School District 73 is looking for an Instructional Assistant (Self-Contained) to assist teachers in achieving educational objectives. This role involves working with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning and support classroom management.

The ideal candidate must possess a Paraprofessional License from the Illinois State Board of Education and experience working with students is preferred. The position offers a chance to positively impact students’ learning experiences in a rewarding environment.

Qualifications

• Must have a Paraprofessional License, Professional Educator, or Substitute Teaching License from the Illinois State Board.
• Experience in a learning center atmosphere is preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and parents.

Responsibilities

• Assist teacher in meeting teaching objectives with students.
• Work with individual or small groups for skill reinforcement.
• Assist with classroom management to maintain a productive learning environment.

Skills

Ability to communicate well with children and parents

Ability to speak foreign language/Spanish

Experience working with students

Education

Paraprofessional License or equivalent

Completion of 60 semester hours of college credit

Job description

Instructional Assistant (Self-Contained) JobID: 3772

• Position Type: Support Staff/ Instructional Assistant
• Date Posted: 6/2/2026
• Date Available: 08/17/2026

Description

• Assists the teacher(s) in achieving teaching and learning objectives working with individual students or small groups.
• Assists the teacher(s) in implementing strategies for reinforcing skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce the learning of skills or content initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assists the teacher(s) with the management and supervision of students in the classroom to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
• Communicates with and alerts the teacher to any problems or special information related to the students.
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of teachers.
• Assists the teacher(s), when appropriate, with such activities as drill work, reading to students, listening to students read, guiding independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work.
• Participates in training programs, as assigned.
• Assists with the supervision of students, and other duties in the school, as assigned by the Principal.

Requirements

• All instructional assistants must have a Paraprofessional (Short-Term License* is available for candidates with a high school diploma or the equivalent), Professional Educator or a Substitute Teaching License from the Illinois State Board of Education. This approval is based on meeting one of the following:
  • Completion of 60 semester hours of college credit.
  • Completion of a paraprofessional training program approved by ISBE or ICCB.
  • Passage of the ETS Parapro Assessment.
  • Passage of the applicable ACT WorkKeys assessments.
• Experience working with students in a learning center atmosphere preferred.
• Illinois elementary teaching certificate preferred.
• Ability to speak foreign language/Spanish preferred.
• Be able to communicate well with children and parents.

Assistance available regarding the application for Paraprofessional Licenses. Please contact the Human Resources Department at [phone].