Instructional Assistant - Special Education Special Programs

Westfield Washington School District; Blue Springs (MO); On-site; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfield Washington School District is seeking an Instructional Assistant to support Special Education at Shamrock Springs Elementary School. The role assists teachers with individual students or small groups to help meet skill objectives.

The position runs 176 days at 35 hours per week, requires a high school diploma, and emphasizes confidentiality, clear communication, and the ability to work with diverse learners. Collaboration with staff and substitutes is essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; some college preferred.
• Clear and concise oral and written communication.
• Ability to perform work with independent judgment, accuracy, speed, and confidentiality.
• Ability to relate well to students, parents, staff and the community.
• Ability to perform work without continuous supervision.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with individual students or small groups.
• Help devise strategies and accommodations based on students' needs.
• Guide independent study, enrichment, and remedial work.
• Check notebooks, correct papers, and supervise testing and makeup work.
• Assist with group activities like reading aloud and storytelling.
• Serve as a resource for substitutes in the teacher's absence.
• Support monitoring and documenting student progress and behaviors.
• Help with students’ basic needs and life skills activities.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Independent judgment

Professionalism

Instruction following

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Some college preferred

Job description

Instructional Assistant - Special Education Special Programs JobID: 1886

• Position Type: Support Staff/ Instructional Assistant
• Date Posted: 10/12/2026
• Location: Shamrock Springs Elementary School
• Date Available: ASAP

JOB DESCRIPTION

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT

Reports to: Teacher or immediate supervisor and Principal

Terms: 176 days; 35 hrs per week

Position Summary: To assist the teacher in achieving teaching objectives by working with individual students or small groups, as assigned by teacher, to help them achieve the skill levels of the class as a whole.

Essential Functions

• Assist as needed for district and state-wide testing per student accommodations.
• Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Guide independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work set up and assigned by the teacher.
• Check notebooks, correct papers, and supervise testing and makeup work as assigned by the teacher.
• Assist with such group activities as drill work, reading aloud, and story telling.
• Serve as chief source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the teacher(s).
• Alert the teacher to any special problems about an individual student.
• Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of fully licensed teachers.
• Record keeping as assigned by teacher.
• Under the supervision of certified teachers, assist in the areas related to personal, social, and instructional needs of students.
• Be proactive and do what is necessary to maintain a relationship of trust with teacher(s) and student(s) you serve.
• Assist students with assistive technology needs as required for academic success.
• Under teacher direction, gather data on goal progress and behaviors
• Other duties as assigned by Principal or Immediate Supervisor.
• Assist with students basic needs like feeding and toileting, along with assisting students with community based outings and work experience. (Life Skills and 1 on 1 IA only.)
• Assist students with their in school job placements around the building; watches classes with sub support when needed during case conferences; and sometimes eat and supervises lunch with students. (Life Skills and 1 on 1 IA only.)
• Implement behavior plans for students with aggressive behaviors to ensure the safety of the student and those around him/her. (Life Skills and 1 on 1 IA only.)

Qualifications Skills and Abilities

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; some College preferred.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Perform a variety of work involving use of independent judgment, accuracy, speed, and confidentiality.
• Relate well to a variety of individuals, including students, parents, staff, and the community.
• Perform work without continuous supervision.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, maintaining confidentiality of specified information.