Instructional Assistant - Special Education 1:1

Bentonville Schools; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Bentonville Schools is seeking a dedicated Instructional Assistant for special education to support students with individualized education programs (IEPs). The role involves direct supervision of students, assisting in instructional activities, and maintaining behavior management in the classroom. Candidates should have a high school diploma and experience working with children is preferred. This position may involve lifting students and assisting with daily living activities. A compassionate approach and effective communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior experience working with children is desirable.
• Successful completion of college-level coursework may be required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Special Education Teacher with instructional activities.
• Support students in individual and group settings.
• Document student academic learning performance.
• Manage classroom behavior to ensure safety.
• Assist students with self-care needs when necessary.

Skills

Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals

Effective writing and verbal communication skills

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships

Ability to assist students in daily living activities

Ability to follow instructions

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Prior experience working with children

Tools

Personal computers

Assistive technology

Job description

Job ID: 5587

• Position Type: Special Education Classified/ Instructional Assistant - Sped 1:1
• Date Posted: 9/16/2025
• Date Available: 8/4/26

Position Purpose

Under direct supervision and assists the Special Education Teacher and/or the Principal in student supervision and instructional activities (including but not limited to the development of academic, social and independence/self-care skills) as related to the identified needs of students with individualized education programs (IEPs). Performs all routine clerical and other duties as required.

Essential Job Functions

• Work with students on content material, including assistance with current computer or assistive technology as needed.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student academic learning performance (including data collection for the purpose of behavior tracking).
• Assists with classroom behavioral management (Behavior Support Plans) to minimize disruptions and ensure a safe and orderly classroom.
• Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Support students as needed in required learning setting (general or special education classrooms, field trips, common areas, post-secondary facilities).
• Constructs, copies and distributes educational materials as needed.
• Works with Special Education Teacher in preparation for parent conferences, IEP meetings, data collection and other duties as required.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• May be required to assist students with self-care needs (personal hygiene, feeding, toileting).
• May assist in the training of other paraprofessionals.
• May support student behavior through utilizing appropriate restraint procedures if absolutely necessary for student safety. Training in restraint procedures will be provided.

Additional Duties

• Assist staff or building administration, as needed including but not limited to clerical assistance and assistance with other students in a general education or special education environment.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.
• A dedicated aide is assigned only when absolutely necessary and a plan will be provided to move away from the aide toward more independence. This may result in the culmination of the position.
• When a student moves from one grade to the next and it requires a building change, the designated 1:1 aide is expected to move with the student.
• May be asked to attend occasional extra‑curricular activities.

Note

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.
• Use/operate student equipment when applicable (may include: stander, positioner, harness, wheelchair, etc.).

Travel Requirements

Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students at level of IEP goals.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to attend additional training if needed.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Ability to safely lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
• Ability to safely traverse all required spaces within the assigned facility.
• Ability to physically assist students in emergency evacuation & lockdown situations.

Qualifications Profile

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination as required by the most recent legislation.
• Prior experience working with children desirable.