Special Education Assistant at Sierra Vista Primary School

Sierra Vista Primary School; Ruidoso (NM); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Vista Primary School in Ruidoso, NM is seeking a Special Education Assistant to support students with disabilities in small groups or one-on-one settings, collaborating with teachers to promote inclusive learning.

The position follows the 2026-2027 contract period; starting August 2026; pay is per the district salary schedule. Requires an AA degree or ParaPro eligibility; bilingual preferred; selection includes screening and interview process.

Qualifications

• AA degree with 15 of those credits in LA(3hrs), math(3hrs), writing(3hrs), and (6 hrs. in any of reading/writing/math) or passing score on ParaPro (457).
• Level III NM Public Education Department Educational Assistant License or eligibility.
• Experience with Tier II SAT and special needs students.

Responsibilities

• Assists with special education students individually or in small groups.
• Works productively as part of a team.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Physical requirements as outlined below.

Skills

Experience with Tier II SAT & special

Explicit research-based instruction in

Education

AA degree with specified credits

Level III NM PED Educational Assistant License or eligibility

Tools

ParaPro

Job description

Special Education Assistant at Sierra Vista Primary School

Ruidoso Municipal Schools Sierra Vista Primary School - Ruidoso, New Mexico Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5381616

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Oct 01, 2025 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Qualifications

• AA degree from a regionally accredited college or university with 15 of those credits being in LA(3hrs), math(3hrs), writing (3hrs), and (6 hrs. in any of the following four content) reading, writing, math readiness, or professional education; or passing score on ParaPro (457).
• Level III NM Public Education Department Educational Assistant License or eligibility.
• Successful experience working with Tier II SAT and special needs students.
• Demonstrates knowledge of explicit research-based instruction in reading and math.
• Experience with de-escalation strategies preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Demonstrates a willingness to work in a cooperative working environment.
• Possesses strong reading, written, verbal and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assists with special education students individually or in small groups.
• Works productively as part of a team.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Physical requirements as outlined below;

1. Sitting Tasks:Sitting is an occasional requirement 10% of the time.

2. Walking Tasks:Walking is a frequent requirement up to 90%of the time.

3. Standing Tasks:standing is a frequent requirement up to 85 to 90% of the time.

4. Sprinting/Running Tasks:Sprinting/running is an occasional requirement, example: in case of emergency.

5. Flexibility:

a) Bending or twisting at the neck is a frequent requirement 85 - 90% of the time.

b) Bending or twisting at the trunk is a frequent requirement 85 - 90% of the time.

c) Reaching above the head is a frequent requirement 85 - 90% of the time.

d) Reaching forward is a frequent requirement 85 - 90% of the time.

e) Repeating the same hand, arm, or finger motion many times is a frequent requirement 85 - 90% of the time.

6. Use Of Arms & Hands

a) Manual dexterity is a frequent requirement 90% of the time.

b) Finger dexterity is a frequent requirement 90% of the time.

7. Lifting 10 - 25 Pounds

a) Lifting 10 - 25 pounds is a frequent requirement 90% of the time.

b) Lifting above the shoulders is a frequent requirement 90% of the time.

c) Lifting above the waist is a frequent requirement 90% of the time.

d) Lifting above the knees is a frequent requirement 90% of the time.

8. Lifting 26 - 50 Pounds

a) Lifting 26 - 50 pounds is a frequent requirement up to 50% of the time.

b) Lifting items above the shoulders is an occasional but essential requirement.

c) Lifting items above the waist is a frequent requirement.

d) Lifting items above the knees is a frequent requirement.

9. Lifting 50 - 75 Pounds

a) Lifting over 50 pounds is an occasional but essential requirement.

10. Pushing & Pulling

a) Pushing and pulling 75 pounds an occasional requirement up to 10% of the time.

b) Pushing and pulling 50 - 75 pounds is an occasional requirement up to 20% of the time.

c) Pushing and pulling 25 - 50 pounds is a frequent requirement up to 60% of the time.

11. Carrying Tasks:

a) Carrying of items that weigh between 25 - 50 pounds is a daily requirement.

12. Use Of Protective Equipment:

a) Protective equipment may be required as necessaryfor eye, ear, hands, head, feet, and face protection.

Contract Period

2026-2027 School Year

Start Date

August 2026

Salary

Per Ruidoso Municipal School District Salary Schedule

Selection Process

Following an initial screening of application materials, selected candidates will receive interview appointments.

Ruidoso Municipal School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, or disability in compliance with federal and state laws.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Associate degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Ranay Johnston, SVP Principal
• Sierra Vista Primary School
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]