Sawyer Elementary Special Education Educational Associate

Young World Physical Education; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 22,041 - 24,796; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

IPERS Retirement

Job summary

Sawyer Elementary School in Ames, Iowa, is seeking Special Education Educational Associates for the 2026-2027 school year. Full-time positions are benefits-eligible.

Under supervision of an administrator and special education teacher, you will support instructional activities, manage behavior, and help create a positive learning environment for students with disabilities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic understanding of the needs of children.
• Ability to relate effectively to children of all ages and with different academic and behavioral needs.
• Professional communication skills, both written and oral, including active listening skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with interpretations of teacher directions.
• Assist with classroom assignments during independent work or stations.
• Work with individuals or groups to reinforce material.
• Accompany and assist students in integrated classes, recess and lunch.
• Assist in collection and preparation of materials for lessons.
• Maintain student records and daily documentation.
• Supervise and enforce discipline per supervisor's directions.
• Assist with medical, health, and behavior-related needs of students.

Skills

Patience and compassion

Ability to relate to children

Basic computer skills (Google Docs, e‑

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Sawyer Elementary Special Education Educational Associate

Sawyer Elementary – Ames, Iowa

Job ID: 5836255 Application Deadline: Aug 11, 2026 11:59 PM (UTC) Posted: Yesterday

Job Description

Sawyer Elementary School is seeking Special Education Educational Associates for the 2026-2027 school year. Full-time positions are benefits-eligible.

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, 7:15 am-3:15 pm, 9.5‑month position.

Responsibilities / Essential Functions:

• Assists students in interpreting and following the 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/daily documentation.
• Supervises and enforces building/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; maintain records, copying, and clerical 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 the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of licensed teachers.
• Knowing the District must have regular and dependable employees to meet its mission of educating children, daily attendance and punctuality is required.
• Attends work on a consistent and punctual basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Desired Attributes:

• 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 and helpful relationship with children.
• Basic computer skills including but not limited to 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.
• IPERS Retirement.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

All employers submitting a job opening for posting on the Teach Iowa system will not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or status as a veteran. A bona fide religious institution may choose to exercise the allowances in Iowa Code section 216.6.(6)d. Employers may have additional developed specific equal employment opportunity policies and procedures; please check with employers.

Contact Information

• Sharday Grove
• 2005 24th St
• Ames, Iowa 50010
• Phone: 515‑268‑6610
• Fax: 515‑268‑6633
• Email: [e-mail]