Instructional Assistant (Self-Contained)

Hawthorn School District 73; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawthorn School District 73 in Vernon Hills, IL seeks an Instructional Assistant (Self-Contained) to support teachers in achieving learning objectives for individual students or small groups. The role emphasizes reinforcing skills with a sympathetic understanding of each student's needs and abilities.

The position requires ISBE-approved paraprofessional credentials and may favor applicants with Illinois elementary teaching background or related licensure.

Qualifications

• Paraprofessional license or ISBE-approved alternative.
• Experience with students in a learning center is preferred.
• Spanish language ability is preferred.
• Strong communication with children and parents is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in achieving teaching and learning objectives with individual students or small groups.
• Reinforce skills based on students' needs and abilities.
• Support classroom management and supervision for a safe learning environment.
• Communicate with the teacher about any student issues or special information.
• Assist with activities like reading aloud, guided independent study, enrichment, and remedial work.
• Participate in training programs and school duties as assigned by the Principal.

Skills

Communication with children andParents

Experience in learning center settings

Spanish language ability

Team collaboration

Adaptability with students

Education

Paraprofessional Short-Term License or ISBE equivalent

Professional Educator or Substitute Teaching License

Job description

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Frontline Applicant Tracking - Hawthorn School District 73

Instructional Assistant (Self-Contained) JobID: 3848

• Position Type:
  Support Staff/ Instructional Assistant
  
• Date Posted:
  10/21/2026
  
• Location:
  Elementary North
  
• Date Available:
  11/02/2026
  

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, or
  • 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].

Need Help?

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