Part-Time SPED Instructional Assistant — Resource

Smith Junior High; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 16,000 - 17,400; Part time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is seeking a part-time Instructional Assistant for Special Education at Smith Junior High School in Mesa, Arizona. The role involves assisting certified teachers and specialists in monitoring and instructing special education students as outlined in their Individual Education Plans.

Responsibilities include collaborating on instructional material, supporting personal care needs, and maintaining a safe learning environment. Ideal candidates should possess an Associate's Degree or equivalent hours, along with relevant experience working with children.

Qualifications

• Must have an Associate’s Degree or pass the ParaPro Test.
• Experience working with children preferred.
• Ability to assist students with personal care.

Responsibilities

• Deliver classroom homework and reinforce classroom objectives.
• Assist in developing instructional materials.
• Monitor individual or small student groups.

Skills

Ability to work with special education students

Good verbal and written communication skills

Computer proficiency

Ability to work well in stressful situations

Education

Associate’s Degree or 60 college credit hours

Job description

Instructional Assistant Special Education I - Resource - Part Time - Smith Junior High School

Instructional Assistant Special Education I - Resource - Part Time - Smith Junior High School

Mesa USD 4 Smith Junior High - Mesa, Arizona Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Mesa USD 4

Job Details

Job ID: 5788257
Application Deadline: Jul 17, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)
Posted: Jun 17, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

• Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type:

Part-time (29 hours per week)

Base Hourly:

$16.56

Class/Calendar:

A11, 9.25 months

Benefits:

None

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire Experience:

1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to aten-year maximum

New Hire Education:

1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Job Summary:

To assist, under direct supervision of certified teachers and specialists, in themonitoring and instruction of special education students implementing the Individual Education Plans; to assist students in performingtheir academic, daily living and health care activities; to relieve teacher of routine clerical tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver, under teacher’s direction, classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, tutoringand guided practice
• Assist the development of instructional materials and maintenance of the classroom.
• Assist in the collection of data on academic and behavior goals as instructed
• In collaboration with certified personnel implement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors including verbal and physical aggression
• Respond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy
• Transfer and/or lift non-ambulatory students to assist them in the performance of their daily activities
• Assiststudents with personal hygiene to provide for and/or develop students’ daily living activities and behavioral skills
• Assist students who need support in addressing personal care needs due to a severe medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e. toileting, feeding, dressing suctioning, etc) to ensure their functioning in a school environment
• Accompany students as they transition across campus
• Monitor individual and/or small student groups in classroom and/or on the playground to maintain asafe and positive learning environment; facilitate peer interactions
• Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure a safe environment
• Model professional, safe, responsible and respectful behavior
• Perform general clerical tasks to support the teacher (i.e. copies, materials, billing)
• Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one’s skills and/or knowledge
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the ParaPro Test provided by the district free of charge

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with children

Skills & Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability and willingness to work with special education students who may require specialized instruction to meet academic, social, and behavior goals
• Ability to work well with students, staff and parents; good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well in stressful situations
• Computer proficiency to include use of basic software applications (Word, Excel, etc)
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Ability to organize and prioritizeand to followclassroom guidelines as put forth by classroom teacher

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Works closely with special education teachers, general education staff, therapists, and administrators
• May be resource rooms, inclusion settings, or self-contained classrooms
• Supports students with disabilities, which may include intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities
• Each day can vary based on student needs, schedules, behavior, and support plans
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, bend, and kneel frequently throughout the day
• May need to lift or assist students who have physical disabilities, including transferring students to and from wheelchairs, standing frames, or other equipment (commonly 25–50 lbs, but sometimes more)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Position Type: Part-Time
Salary: $16.56 Per Hour
Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Please do NOT contact this employer regarding job postings that have closed.

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