MS 1:1 Special Education Instructional Assistant

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School

Worcester (MA)

On-site

USD 27,000 - 58,000

Full time

25 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life Insurance

403(b) & ROTH403(b) with Match

Stipend for Professional Development

Sick Time with Sick Bank

Personal Days

HRA & FSA

Job summary

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School in Worcester, MA seeks a dedicated MS 1:1 Special Education Instructional Assistant to support students with diverse needs in both general and special education settings.

The role requires one year of experience, a high school diploma, strong communication, collaboration with teachers, and commitment to inclusive learning; duties include data collection, accommodations, and behavior support.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; education-related qualifications preferred.
Minimum one year of experience in an educational setting.
Knowledge of supporting students with diverse needs in classrooms.

Responsibilities

Provide one-to-one support to students with varying disabilities and learning needs.
Assist with academic tasks and behavioral challenges following instructional methods.
Follow IEPs and 504 Plans with appropriate accommodations.
Help organize materials, complete assignments, and manage schedules.
Collaborate with teachers to implement lesson plans and materials.
Monitor progress and document academic and behavioral data.

Skills

High school diploma

One year of experience

Ability to work with diverse learners

Strong communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

MS 1:1 Special Education Instructional Assistant

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Abby Kelley Foster Charter Middle School - Worcester, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5920948

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 10, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Job Title: Special Education One-to-One Instructional Assistant

Location: Middle School

Reports To: Building Principal in Partnership with the Special Education Department

Subordinates: None

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary Range: School Year Instructional Assistant Salary Scale, $26,920 - $58,315

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate One-to-One Instructional Assistant to support students with specific educational needs. This position involves providing individualized support to students, following the classroom teacher’s instructions, and assisting in the development and implementation of academic and behavioral support strategies. The successful candidate will work closely with students in both general education and special education settings, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.

This position is directly tied to the specific needs of enrolled students. If a student is no longer enrolled and no additional needs arise, employment for this position will be terminated.

This job description outlines the core duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be required in this role. The ideal candidate should be flexible and adaptable in meeting the evolving needs of the District.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Provide one-to-one support to students with various disabilities and learning needs, ensuring access to the curriculum and classroom activities.
Assist students with both academic tasks and behavioral/social challenges, adhering to prescribed instructional methods.
Follow the specific accommodations and modifications outlined in students’ IEPs and 504 Plans.
Support students in organizing their academic materials, completing assignments, and maintaining effective schedules.
Collaborate with the classroom teacher and/or Special Education teacher to implement lesson plans, develop materials, and ensure effective instruction.
Facilitate behavioral support, implementing behavioral plans to support students’ success in the classroom, including managing non-compliance, task completion, and social interactions.
Provide support in both individual and small group settings, with flexibility in assigned tasks and students.
Assist students during lunch, recess, specials, and other non-classroom times to ensure continuous support and safety.
Monitor and document student progress and collect data related to academic performance, behavior, and incidents (accidents, discipline, etc.).
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
Provide classroom coverage when necessary, ensuring that students’ learning is uninterrupted.
Support students with technology and other classroom resources to enhance learning.
Implement carryover of skills and instructional strategies as designed by related service providers (e.g., Speech, OT, PT).
Assist students with daily routines, including arrival, dismissal, and transitioning between activities.
Facilitate the development of independent skills in students, promoting self-sufficiency across the school day.
Participate in meetings and consultations related to students’ progress and needs.
Assist students with organization of materials, note-taking, and scribing as needed.
Follow school policies and collaborate with colleagues to address challenges and develop effective solutions.
Support the facilitation of standardized assessments (e.g., MCAS) with appropriate accommodations.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or Director of Special Education.

Required Skills, Experience, and Competencies

High school diploma or equivalent; additional qualifications in education or related field preferred.
Minimum of one year of experience in a similar role or working with children in an educational setting.
Knowledge of academic support strategies and special education practices.
Ability to work effectively with students of varying needs, including those with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.
Ability to adapt to a dynamic environment and work collaboratively with a team.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Commitment to the core values of the school and a passion for supporting all students’ success.

Additional Requirements

Background check and fingerprinting as required by Massachusetts state regulations.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Must be able to lift, move, or assist students when necessary.
Completion of any required professional development or certifications as mandated by the District.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The role requires frequent communication, standing, walking, sitting, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and occasional lifting of students or objects.
Ability to work in a busy, noisy, and high-pressure environment, maintaining focus on student safety and well-being.
Exposure to potential hazards, including bodily fluids, and the need to respond appropriately to emergency situations.
May involve assisting students with personal care needs, including grooming, feeding, and toileting for medically fragile or physically disabled students.

Important Note

Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Compensation and Benefits

Full-Time Exempt Salary Position in accordance with the established Instructional Assistant Salary Scale. AKFCS also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS): Not Eligible
Medical/Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
403(b) & ROTH403(b) with Match
Stipend for Professional/Personal Development
Dash Pass (DoorDash)
YMCA Discounts
Comprehensive Private Leave of Absence Program (PFML)
Sick Time with Sick Bank
Personal Days
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Equality and Diversity

Abby Kelley Foster Public Charter School is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.

About Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School (AKFCS) provides an education to 1426 students in grades kindergarten through twelve, comprising an Elementary, Middle and High School. AKFCS values flexible educators who possess an optimistic, growth-oriented mindset regarding learning, for themselves, staff, and students. The District seeks to reflect the increasingly diverse world in which we live. We strive to provide our students with an exceptional education in a caring community of students, families, faculty, and staff that represents a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Our goal is to ensure opportunities for all students regardless of gender, race, religion, color, ethnicity, sexual preference, gender identity, or economic background. In support of our objective, Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School will:

Continue to give special importance to the inclusion within our student body, our faculty, and our staff of persons from all groups within our society, including those who have experienced prejudice and disadvantage.

Provide all members of the district with a range of appropriate opportunities to develop skills for living in a diverse community and integrate diversity initiatives throughout the AKFCS experience.

Support the philosophy of our International Baccalaureate Program, which is aimed at developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

Empower all members of our community to share and celebrate their differences as well as their common experiences to foster a culturally responsive education.

Support the mission of Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing a classical liberal arts education grounded in the great works of Western Civilization and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation.

Job Requirements