Sawyer Elementary 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 (full‑$

Life Insurance (full-time)

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

IPERS Retirement

Job summary

Ames Community School District is seeking a Saw yer Elementary Special Education Educational Associate. This full-time role supports students under the supervision of a special education teacher, aiding instructional activities, behavior management, record keeping, and safety.

The position requires a high school diploma and demonstrates a compassionate approach to diverse student needs. Responsibilities include assisting with classroom assignments, facilitating learning in groups, supervising in

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of the needs of children.
• Ability to relate effectively to children of all ages and with different academic and behavioral needs.
• Patience, compassion, and a caring relationship with children.
• Professional communications skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to physically lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in interpreting and following the teacher's directions.
• Assist students with classroom assignments during independent work time and/or workstations.
• Work with individual students or groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills prepared by the teacher.
• Accompany and assist students in integrated classes, recess, and lunch.
• Assist classroom teachers with collection and preparation of materials for lessons.
• Assist the teacher with student record keeping/daily documentation.
• Supervise and enforce discipline according to supervisor's directions.
• Assist with medical, health, and behavior-related needs of students as instructed.

Skills

Patience and compassion

Relate to children

Professional communications

Basic computer skills

Interpersonal communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Sawyer Elementary Special Education Educational Associate – JobID: 1735

Position Information

• Position Type: Support Staff/ Special Education Educational Associate
• Date Posted: 7/15/2026
• Closing Date: 08/11/2026

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 7:15 am-3:15 pm, 9.5 month position

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.

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

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 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 communications 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

• 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.

Application and Equal Opportunity

To apply, please submit your online application through the district’s careers portal. Ames Community School District is an E-Verify and EEO/AA employer.