Instructional Support Associate (2)

Harvard Junior High School; Harvard (IL); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick days

Paid personal days

Tuition reimbursement

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Term life insurance

Employee Assistance Plan

Professional development

Job summary

Harvard Junior High School in Harvard, Illinois seeks an Instructional Support Associate to assist teachers and staff across general education and specialized programs. You will work with individuals and groups, including students with IEPs, to support academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth.

The role emphasizes inclusive, engaging learning environments and requires flexibility, responsiveness, and a commitment to all learners.

Qualifications

• Must be able to interact and communicate effectively with all children.
• Ability to provide behavior management and crisis intervention.
• Must be able to work as a team member to support students with special needs.
• Must be able to collaborate with staff, students, and families.

Responsibilities

• Support instructional strategies and interventions designed by certified staff.
• Provide support in whole group, small group, and 1-on-1 settings across classrooms.
• Promote an inclusive learning environment and student engagement.
• Assist students in meeting academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional goals.
• Support with accommodations and modifications to ensure equitable access to learning.
• Supervise during instructional and non-instructional times (recess, lunch, transitions).
• Prepare and organize instructional materials and resources.
• Maintain confidential documentation as required by FERPA, IDEA, and policies.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Student support

Behavior management

Education

High school diploma or GED

60 college credit hours / Paraprofessional test

Job description

Harvard Community Unit School District 50 Harvard Junior High School - Harvard, Illinois Open in Google Maps

Instructional Support Associate (2)

Harvard Community Unit School District 50 Harvard Junior High School - Harvard, Illinois Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Harvard Community School District 50

Job Details

Job ID: 5612265

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Mar 31, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 10, 2026

Job Description

Job Title:

Instructional Support Associate

Job Summary:

The Instructional Support Associate supports teachers and staff in delivering high-quality instruction and student support services across a variety of learning environments, including general education and specialized programs. The Associate works with individual students and groups, both with and without Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), to support academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional skill development.

This role is essential in creating inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environments. Due to the diverse and evolving needs of students, the Instructional Support Associate must demonstrate flexibility, responsiveness, and a commitment to meeting the needs of all learners.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED

60 College Credit Hours and/or Passed ETS Paraprofessional Test

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Staff.

Reports to:

Building Principal

Terms of Employment:

This is a full-time, 9-month position covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement in the Instructional Associate category. Compensation is hourly, with pay and benefits determined by the Board of Education.

Compensation and Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees' personal and professional well-being. Fifteen paid sick days and two paid personal days annually. Employees benefit from tuition reimbursement and Board contributions to major medical, dental, and vision insurance. Additional perks include 100% Board-paid term life insurance and access to an Employee Assistance Plan. To promote continuous growth, we provide extensive professional development opportunities, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment for our team members.

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of instructional strategies and interventions designed by certified staff to meet the needs of all learners
• Provide instructional support in whole group, small group, and one-on-one settings across general and specialized classrooms
• Assist in promoting an inclusive learning environment that supports student engagement, independence, and success
• Support students in meeting academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional goals
• Assist with accommodations and modifications as directed to ensure equitable access to learning
• Provide supervision and support during instructional and non-instructional times (e.g., recess, lunch, transitions, bus duty)
• Assist students with completing assignments and staying on task
• Implement behavior supports, including proactive strategies, de-escalation techniques, and follow-up interventions as directed
• Support the implementation of individualized plans (e.g., IEPs, 504 Plans, behavior plans) as assigned
• Attend to the physical and personal care needs of students as required
• Prepare and organize instructional materials (e.g., copying, laminating, organizing resources)
• Communicate effectively and professionally with staff, students, and families as appropriate
• Maintain accurate documentation related to student support and interventions
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development as directed
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA, IDEA, and district policies
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal or designee

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must demonstrate the ability to interact and communicate effectively with all children
• Must demonstrate the ability to provide behavior management and crisis intervention
• Must demonstrate the ability to work as a team member, providing services to children with special needs
• Must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with others

Physical Demands:

The physical demands of this position include frequent sitting and standing for extended periods. Depending on the class/student assignment, the employee may occasionally lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds. Repetitive bending at the waist, kneeling, stooping, and crouching to assist students are also required. Employees may reach overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.

ADA:

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $18.28 to $18.28 Per Hour

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Patrick Podgorski , Principal
• Harvard Junior High School
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]