Middle School Special Education Educational Associate

Amescsd; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 22,041 - 24,796; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

IPERS Retirement

Job summary

Ames Community School District is seeking a Middle School Special Education Educational Associate to support instruction and student needs at Ames Middle School. The role involves assisting with lessons, behavior management, documentation, and daily operations to foster a positive learning environment.

The position runs Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 3:45 pm for 9.5 months, with opportunities to participate in professional development and collaborate with teachers, staff, and families in a caring,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in interpreting and following teacher's directions.
• Assist students with classroom assignments during independent work time and/or workstations.
• Work with individual students or groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills prepared by the teacher.
• Accompany and assist students in integrated classes, recess, and lunch.
• Assist classroom teachers with the collection and preparation of materials needed for lessons.
• Assist the teacher with student record keeping/daily documentation.
• Supervise and enforce building/individual discipline procedures in all educational settings according to supervisor's directions.
• Assist with medical, health, and/or behavior-related needs of students as instructed by administrator, teacher, or nurse.
• Administer medication and first aid if identified.
• Assist in all aspects of personal hygiene.
• Correct assignments, data collection and entry; maintain records, copying, and clerical as assigned.
• Participate in professional development as requested by the administration.
• Alert the principal or teacher to any problem and special information about an individual student.
• Interact effectively with students, co-workers, parents, staff, and administration.
• Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as expected of licensed teachers.
• Recognize the need for regular and dependable attendance and punctuality to support the district’s mission.
• Attend work consistently and punctually.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Patience

Compassion

Communication

Attentive listening

Teamwork

Attendance

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Google Docs

Email skills

Job description

Frontline Applicant Tracking - Ames Community School District

Middle School Special Education Educational Associate

• Job ID: 1728
• Position Type: Support Staff / Special Education Educational Associate
• Date Posted: 7/1/2026
• Location: Ames Middle School
• Closing Date: 7/21/2026

Summary

Under the supervision of an administrator and special education teacher, assist in the education of students, including instructional assistance, management of student behavior, record keeping, classroom safety, security and organization, and interaction and communication with students and staff. Provide direct and indirect educationally related services to disabled students and assist in creating a positive learning environment to facilitate personal, social, and intellectual development.

Work Schedule

Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am – 3:45 pm, 9.5 month position

Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Assist students in interpreting and following teacher's directions.
• Assist students with classroom assignments during independent work time and/or workstations.
• Work with individual students or groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills prepared by the teacher.
• Accompany and assist students in integrated classes, recess, and lunch.
• Assist classroom teachers with the collection and preparation of materials needed for lessons.
• Assist the teacher with student record keeping/daily documentation.
• Supervise and enforce building/individual discipline procedures in all educational settings both in and out of school according to the supervisor's directions.
• Assist with medical, health, and or behavior‑related needs of students as instructed by the administrator, teacher, or nurse.
• Administer medication and first aid if identified.
• Assist in all aspects of personal hygiene.
• Correct assignments, data collection and entry; maintain records, copying, and clerical as assigned.
• Participate in professional development as requested by the administration.
• Alert the principal or teacher to any problem and special information about an individual student.
• Interact effectively with various constituent groups, including but not limited to students, co‑workers, parents, staff, and administration.
• Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as expected of licensed teachers.
• Recognize the need for regular and dependable attendance and punctuality to support the district’s mission.
• At all times, attend work consistently and punctually.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic understanding of the needs of children.
• Ability to relate effectively to children of all ages and with different academic and behavioral needs.
• Patience and compassion; a caring and helpful relationship with children.
• Basic computer skills, including word processing using Google Docs or similar tools, internet searching, and email skills.
• Professional communication skills, both written and oral, including active listening skills.
• Ability to physically lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to bend, lift, sit on floor, run short distances, and assist physically active students.
• Emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved.
• Initiative and the insight to anticipate problem situations and respond accordingly.
• Ability to take directions, work with minimal supervision, and follow policies and practices.

Benefits (30+ hours per week)

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance (full‑time employees)
• Life Insurance (full‑time employees)
• Long‑Term Disability Insurance (full‑time employees)
• Paid Time Off – paid holidays, personal days (2), sick leave (10 days first year), emergency days (5)
• IPERS Retirement

Pay Rate

Level 2 Educational Associate: $16.20 per hour. Level 3 Educational Associate: $17.80 per hour.

E-Verify employer. EEO/AA employer.