Instructional Assistant, Special Education

Memorial High School; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 19,975 - 27,882; Full time

Job summary

A local school district is seeking an Instructional Assistant for Special Education to assist teachers, support special education students, and ensure a positive learning environment. The ideal candidate will have a High School Diploma, potential college credit, and skills in behavior management and communication. This full-time position offers a pay range of $14.50 to $20.24 per hour based on experience. Applicants must have citizenship or work authorization and be prepared to handle various student needs responsibly.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree or a minimum of 48 college hours required.
• Paraprofessional Certification preferred upon employment.

Responsibilities

• Assist teacher in daily classroom operations.
• Help provide a supportive learning environment.
• Assist with behavior management and medical needs of students.

Skills

Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions

Ability to work with emotionally, physically and/or mentally impaired students

Ability to maintain composure under stressful conditions

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely

Basic computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or a minimum of 48 college hours

Job description

Instructional Assistant, Special Education

McAllen Independent School District, Memorial High School - McAllen, Texas. Open in Google Maps.

Job Details

Job ID: 5488902
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Jan 07, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE: To assist the classroom teacher in providing curriculum activities and experiences designed to their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth of all special education students.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education/Certification: High School Diploma or equivalent, required
• Associate degree or a minimum of 48 college hours, required
• Paraprofessional Certification, preferred (required upon employment)
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions; ability to work with emotionally, physically and/or mentally impaired students; ability to maintain composure under stressful conditions; and ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Basic computer skills performed, preferred
• Experience: Background in working with special needs children or adults, preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist teacher in daily classroom operations and help provide a supportive learning environment.
2. Assist with behavior management and medical needs of students.
3. Assist in supervising students throughout the workday.
4. Feed or help students feed themselves.
5. Assist with special toileting needs.
6. Monitor students to and from buses, in cafeteria, in inclusion classrooms and in hallways to and from activities.
7. Sanitize room and equipment.
8. Assist teachers in planning and preparation of instructional materials.
9. Under supervision of the special education teacher, work with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
10. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
11. Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

EQUIPMENT USED: Computer, copiers, multimedia equipment, and other office or classroom machines

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands: Ability to make rational decisions under stressful circumstances; deal with special needs children in a caring, supportive, but non-emotional manner

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Ability to lift or move at least 40 pounds and push over 100 pounds; must be able to work in a noisy environment; ability to provide for sanitation needs and student hygiene; assist in restraining students in crisis situations.

Days: 187

Hourly Pay Range: Minimum: $14.50, Maximum: $20.24

Note: Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $14.50 to $20.24 Per Hour

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Ramiro Ramirez, Principal
• Memorial High School
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]