Middle School Special Education Educational Associate

Ames Community School District; United States; On-site; USD 22,317 - 24,521; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Ames Community School District is seeking a Middle School Special Education Educational Associate. This position involves providing both direct and indirect services to disabled students under the supervision of an administrator and a special education teacher.

The candidate will assist with classroom assignments, maintain student records, and ensure classroom safety. Benefits include health insurance and paid time off for full-time employees.

Responsibilities

• Assists students in interpreting and following teacher's directions.
• Works with individual students or groups of students to reinforce learning.
• Accompanies and assists students during classes and lunch.
• Maintains records, copying, and clerical work as assigned.
• Administers medication and first aid as necessary.

Skills

Basic understanding of the needs of children

Patience and compassion

Basic computer skills

Professional communication skills

Ability to physically lift up to 50 lbs

Emotional maturity

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Middle School Special Education Educational Associate – JobID 1728

Position Type: Support Staff / Special Education Educational Associate

Date Posted: 7/1/2026

Location: Ames Middle School

Closing Date: 07/21/2026

Summary

Under the supervision of an administrator and special education teacher, assists the teacher 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. Provides direct and indirect educationally related services to disabled students and assists the special education teacher in creating a positive learning environment to facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual development of students.

Work Schedule

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

Responsibilities / Essential Functions

• Assists students in interpreting and following teacher's directions.
• Assists students with classroom assignments during independent work time and/or workstations.
• Works with individual students or groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills prepared by the teacher.
• Accompanies and assists students in integrated classes, recess, and lunch.
• Assists classroom teachers with the collection and preparation of materials needed for lessons.
• Assists the teacher with student record keeping and daily documentation.
• Supervises and enforces building and individual discipline procedures in all educational settings both in and out of school according to the supervisor's directions.
• Assists with medical, health, and or behavior‑related needs of students as instructed by the administrator, teacher, or nurse.
• Administers medication and first aid if identified.
• Assists in all aspects of personal hygiene.
• Corrects assignments, data collection and entry; maintains records, copying, and clerical work as assigned.
• Participates in professional development as requested by the administration.
• Alerts the principal or teacher to any problem and special information about an individual student.
• Interacts effectively with various constituent groups, including but not limited to students, co‑workers, parents, staff, and administration.
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of licensed teachers.
• Attends work on a consistent and punctual basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

The successful candidate will exhibit

• 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 and a caring, 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 needed for the specialized work involved.
• Initiative and 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.

Ames CSD is an E‑Verify employer. The Ames CSD is an EEO/AA employer.