Instructional Assistant Special Education - Therapeutic

Palo Alto Unified School District; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 58,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

75% - 81% on the Prorated Cost Table

Job summary

Palo Alto Unified School District is seeking an Instructional Assistant Special Education - Therapeutic to assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction for students with severe emotional and behavioral challenges.

Position is part-time for 10 months, approximately 6–6.5 hours per day. Salary is pay range $33.34–$42.53 per hour with prorated benefits for part-time staff, and there are 5 openings.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students in special education settings is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist certificated teachers in providing instruction to students in a special education program.
• Support students during classroom activities and other related school activities.
• Reinforce instruction and monitor student progress and behavior.
• Coordinate with teachers and staff to meet individual education plan (IEP) requirements.

Job description

Instructional Assistant Special Education - Therapeutic at Palo Alto Unified School District

Application Deadline

Until Filled

Date Posted

6/10/2026

Contact

Summer Nystrom

Number of Openings

5

Salary

Pay Range: $33.34 - $42.53 Per Hour

Add'l Salary Info: Range 29 on the Classified Salary Schedule

Length of Work Year

10 Months / 6-6.5 Hours per day

Employment Type

Part Time

Location

Palo Alto Unified School District

Department

Special Education

Benefits

• 75% - 81% on the Prorated Cost Table for Part-Time Employees

Job Summary

OVERVIEW: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individuals or groups of students placed in special education programs because of severe emotional and behavioral issues, and/or other limiting conditions; monitor and report student progress regarding behavior and performance; perform a variety of clerical and instructional duties in support of the instructional program as required by the disabling/limiting condition of the student and according to established Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to students in an assigned special education program such as Emotionally Disturbed (ED).
• Provide instructional assistance to individuals or groups of special education students in special or mainstreamed classrooms; assist and attend to special education students during classroom activities, physical education periods or other activities as assigned.
• Assist students in understanding and comprehension of classroom assignments; explain errors and answer questions to reinforce the main lesson plans; assist students with problem-solving tasks, reading, English and other assignments.
• Reinforce instruction to students with learning disabilities, communication and behavioral issues; confer with teachers, counselors, psychologists, and administrators concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of special education students.
• Maintain order and direct group activities of students as assigned; monitor, observe and control behavior of students; report progress and concerns regarding student performance and behavior to the teacher; supervise students while the teacher is temporarily out of the classroom.
• See more in job description attached below.