Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Sylvania; DeWitt (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Sylvania is seeking a paraprofessional to assist in elementary and secondary buildings, supporting students with diverse needs and helping ensure access to educational programs and resources. The role emphasizes instructional and social-emotional support, with opportunities to work in both general and special education settings.

Applicants should have a high school diploma, be willing to train in CPI/CPR/First Aid, and participate in ongoing professional development and district initiatives.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Trained or willing to be trained in student medical and personal care needs, CPI, CPR and First Aid.
• Must meet federal and state guidelines for paraprofessional qualifications.
• Experience or knowledge working with students with disabilities preferred.
• Ability to provide instructional and social-emotional support to students with diverse needs, individually and in small groups.
• Ability to implement student supports and strategies, including behavior plans, visual schedules, academic accommodations, and other individualized supports.
• Must participate in required professional development, team meetings, and school/district initiatives.
• Must be able to perform or assist with physical transfers, including pivot transfers, for students weighing 100 pounds or more.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing a well-organized, smoothly functioning school environment.
• Support students' access to the educational program and available resources.
• Provide instructional and social-emotional support to students in general and special education settings.

Skills

Instructional support

Social-emotional support

Small group instruction

Behavior strategies

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Summary of Duties

Assist in providing a well-organized, smoothly functioning school environment that supports students’ access to the educational program and available resources. Positions are located in elementary and secondary school buildings.

Reports to

Building Principal and Director of Special Education

Qualifications/Essential Requirements

• Must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED
• Must be trained, or willing to be trained, in student medical and personal care needs, CPI, CPR and First Aid
• Must meet federal and state guidelines for paraprofessional qualifications
• Experience or knowledge working with students with disabilities is preferred
• Ability to provide instructional and social-emotional support to students with diverse needs, individually and in small groups, in both general and special education settings
• Ability to implement student supports and strategies, including behavior plans, visual schedules, academic accommodations, and other individualized supports
• Ability to support positive learning and interpersonal experiences for students
• Must participate in required professional development, team meetings, and school/district initiatives
• Must have the ability to perform or assist with physical transfers, including pivot transfers, of students who may weigh 100 pounds or more

Compensation

DESPA Master Agreement Class II – 07 position

Work Schedule

6.42 hours per school day following district calendar

Building and/or student assignments may change during the school year or in subsequent school years based on student and District needs

FLSA

Non-exempt

Application Deadline

Internal: Friday, September 25, 2026; 4:00 p.m.

External: Monday, October 5, 2026; 4:00 p.m. or until filled