Special Education Instructional Aide — Empower Students

KEISTER ELEMENTARY; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

KEISTER ELEMENTARY in Harrisonburg, VA is seeking a Special Education Instructional Assistant for the 2026-2027 school year. The role supports students with IEP goals under a 200-day contract and reports to the principal. Salary ranges from $25,582 to $42,207 per year.

The ideal candidate has at least two years of college, strong communication skills, and experience working with diverse students. The position requires teamwork, adaptability, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Have completed 2 years of college (associates and/or bachelor degree preferred). Pass (or have passed) a state/locally approved academic assessment.
• Proficiency in spoken and written communication to express and/or exchange ideas.
• Ability to establish and follow detailed work procedures with speed and accuracy.
• Bilingual ability preferred.
• Emotionally mature, objective, and sensitive to the needs of others. Able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, families and co-workers.
• Effectively demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions.
• Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with equity and inclusion frameworks. Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities. Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences to foster professional relationships and express and/or exchange ideas.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in the use of a variety of office/instructional equipment and technology with experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and email.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and the community.

Responsibilities

• Assist the student with the requirements of the regular/special education classroom teachers and the goals defined in his/her I.E.P. (Individualized Educational Plan)
• Inform the regular/special education teachers of any special information or problems about the individual student that relates to his/her academic/social success in their classes. (Behavior checklist may be a part of documentation.)
• Assist the teachers in the preparation of classroom materials that relate to the needs of this student.
• Assists the teacher in providing for the individual instructional, behavioral, and daily living needs, abilities, and interests of the students. (This may include providing direct assistance to students with special needs, including assisting with personal hygiene tasks like toileting, changing diapers, managing clothing changes, and feminine hygiene including menstrual cycle support.)
• Provide one-on-one academic tutoring/socially appropriate modeling with this student as necessary.
• Attend classes with this student when needed. (Assist with notes, review, behavior modification issues, etc. that will help this student academically and socially.)
• Keep the regular/special education teachers continually informed on the student’s academic and behavioral progress.
• Assume supervision duties as assigned. Work with small groups of special education students as directed.
• Prepare daily attendance/lunch counts and take to proper location.
• Take students to/from classroom for any necessary medications.
• Assist with specific medical/physical issues as directed by the teacher.
• Willing to learn how to connect and use assistive technology
• Takes all industry standard precautions to protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.
• Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.
• Actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
• Maintains confidentiality when appropriate.
• Complies with and supports school division policies, regulations, procedures, and the HCPS Strategic Plan.
• Effectively performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or lead teacher.

Skills

Communication skills

Bilingual

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Team collaboration

Equity and inclusion

Education

Two-year college

Associates degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Email

Job description

KEISTER ELEMENTARY in Harrisonburg, VA is seeking a Special Education Instructional Assistant for the 2026-2027 school year. The role supports students with IEP goals under a 200-day contract and reports to the principal. Salary ranges from $25,582 to $42,207 per year.

The ideal candidate has at least two years of college, strong communication skills, and experience working with diverse students. The position requires teamwork, adaptability, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.