Instructional Assistant SPED

Carlsbad Municipal Schools; United States; On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution is seeking an Instructional Assistant for the 3-Year Program. The role involves supporting school staff under their supervision and requires a Level 3 Instructional Assistant License. Candidates must be at least eighteen years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional qualifications preferred. This position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the educational environment at Cottonwood Elementary School.

Qualifications

• Must hold a level 3 educational assistant license.
• Eighteen years of age and completed orientation session.
• Must provide certification of educational competencies if on a level 2 license.

Responsibilities

• Assist school staff under direct supervision.
• Work alongside licensed educators.
• Control a classroom during brief periods alone.

Skills

Ability to pass a background check

Eligibility for NMPED Instructional Assistant License

Experience with Title I programs

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Associate degree or college coursework

Passing score of at least 70 percent on required test

Job description

Instructional Assistant SPED- 3Year Program JobID: 1931

• Position Type: Support Staff/ Instructional Assistant
• Date Posted: 2/17/2026
• Location: Cottonwood Elementary School

Applicant must be able to pass a background check and be eligible for and obtain a NMPED Instructional Assistant License for Title I Level 3 EAs or Paraprofessionals who are assigned to work in a title I targeted assistance program or in a title I school-wide program under the act, must hold a level 3 license. Level 3 EAs shall be assigned and serve as assistants to school staff duly licensed by the PED. While there may be brief periods when EAs are alone with and in control of a classroom of students, their primary use shall be to work alongside or under the direct supervision of duly licensed staff.

Requirements:

LEVEL 3/PARAPROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS: EAs who are assigned to work in a title I targeted assistance program or in a title I school-wide program under the act, must hold a level 3 license. Level 3 EAs shall be assigned and serve as assistants to school staff duly licensed by the PED. While there may be brief periods when EAs are alone with and in control of a classroom of students, their primary use shall be to work alongside or under the direct supervision of duly licensed staff.

1. A. A person who seeks a level 3 educational assistant license, shall meet the following requirements:
   1. (1) hold a high school diploma or equivalency; and
   2. (2) be eighteen years of age; and
   3. (3) provide certification from the public school superintendent, state supported school superintendent, charter school administrator, private school official that the educational assistant has satisfactorily completed an orientation session pertinent to the assignment; and
   4. (4) if the EA holds a level 2 EA license, provide certification from the public school superintendent, state supported school superintendent, charter school administrator, private school official that the educational assistant has satisfactorily demonstrated the PED's educational assistant competencies.
2. B. In addition to satisfying the requirements of Subsection A of 6.63.9.10 NMAC, a person who seeks a level 3 educational assistant license, shall meet the requirements of Paragraph (1) or Paragraph (2) or Paragraph (3) of Subsection B before being hired to work in a title I program:
   1. (1) earn an associate degree from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university that includes at least 15 semester hours in non‑remedial degree coursework, broken down as follows:
      1. (a) 3 hours of language arts/reading or language arts/reading pedagogy;
      2. (b) 3 hours of writing or writing pedagogy;
      3. (c) 3 hours of mathematics or mathematics pedagogy;
      4. (d) 6 hours of reading, writing, and math readiness, or professional education, or classroom management, or teaching assistance, or special education;
   2. (2) complete forty‑eight (48) semester hours of academic credit awarded by a nationally or regionally accredited college or university that includes at least 15 semester hours in non‑remedial coursework, broken down as follows:
      1. (a) 3 hours of language arts/reading, or language arts/reading pedagogy;
      2. (b) 3 hours of writing or writing pedagogy;
      3. (c) 3 hours of mathematics or mathematics pedagogy;
      4. (d) 6 hours of reading, writing, and math readiness, or professional education, or classroom management, or teaching assistance, or special education;
   3. (3) obtain a passing score of at least seventy (70) percent on a test administered pursuant to Section 11 of 6.63.9 NMAC.

[11-14-98; 6.63.9.10 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 4.2.3.15.10, 03-31-01; N, 06-30-03; A, 06-30-06; A, 10-31-07]