Program Assistant (Pool) (2026-2027)

Fort Worth ISD; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Worth ISD seeks a Program Assistant (Pool) to support direct instruction for eligible special education students under a certified teacher's guidance. You will help plan with regular and special education staff to ensure IEP implementation and maintain a structured learning environment.

The role involves tracking student progress, assisting with administrative records, and supporting substitute teachers while maintaining professional collaboration with the team.

Qualifications

• Education requirements include an Associate degree or 60 college credit hours.
• Title I Highly Qualified requirements may apply on certain campuses.
• Certification: Educational Aide Certificate required.
• Experience: some experience working with children.
• English/Spanish bilingual ability preferred in some settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction to eligible special education students in academic programs.
• Plan with regular and special education teachers to implement IEPs.
• Establish a positive learning environment and manage student behavior.
• Observe and record student progress and assist with reports.
• Assist substitute teachers and provide orientation as needed.

Skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Operate personal computers

Education

Associate's degree or 60 college hours

Job description

Program Assistant (Pool)

Pay Grade: 605

Duty Days: 183 - Salary Range: $33,672 - $40,567

Duty Days: 185 - Salary Range: $34,040 - $41,011

Some of these positions may be grant-funded positions and are contingent on availability of funds.

Position Purpose

Provide direct instruction to eligible special education students in academic programs under the general guidance of a certified teacher.

Essential Functions

• Provide individualized instruction in one or more of the following academic areas: math, science, social studies, and language arts.
• Reinforce academic or developmental skills requiring extensive repetition.
• Provide drill and practice on newly acquired skills.
• Plan jointly with regular education and special education teachers to insure appropriate implementation of student Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Establish and maintain standards of student behavior.
• Provide an orderly and productive learning environment.
• Develop resources to enhance and supplement instruction.
• Observe and record student progress.
• Maintain a positive and cooperative attitude with other professional personnel.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Perform other job related duties as assigned. "Other duties as assigned" may include working in supplemental assignments under special revenue funds or state compensatory education funds.

Physical Job Requirements

Physical Demands Reference

Occasionally (0-33% of day, 0-32 repetitions)

Frequently (34-66% of day, 33-200 repetitions)

Constantly (67-100% of day, >200+ repetitions)

Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; sit; use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms using a keyboard and video display terminal. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and climb stairs. The employee must maintain emotional control under stress, and occasionally work prolonged and/or irregular hours. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 35 pounds.

Qualifications

• Education: Associates degree or sixty (60) semester hours of college credit with emphasis on a major academic area (i.e., English, language arts, psychology, mathematics, sciences, social sciences). (Highly Qualified section below for additional requirements to comply withTitle I).
• Title I Campuses - Highly Qualified Requirements: Must satisfy one of the following requirements:
• Associates degree or higher from an accredited college or university,
• OR
• 48 or more college hours from an accredited college or university,
• OR
• Pass the ParaEducator Training with a score of 75 or better.
• Certification: Obtain an Educational Aide Certificate
• Experience: Some experience working with children.
• Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred in some settings.
• Ability to:
• operate personal computers and utilize applicable software applications.
• assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics (functional life skills).
• work well with children.
• work with students with physical, emotional, educational and/or intellectual disabilities.
• cope with a variety of students in varied and sometimes stressful situations.
• communicate effectively.
• Knowledge of:
• the Districts policies and procedures.
• classroom techniques and etiquette.
• correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Some of these positions may be grant-funded positions and are contingent on availability of funds.

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities.