Special Education Instructional Assistant

Lovington Municipal School District; Lovington (NM); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Lovington Municipal School District is hiring a Special Education Instructional Assistant for Yarbrough Elementary to provide necessary assistance to students and teachers. The role focuses on aiding students' academic and personal development, ensuring a positive, inclusive environment.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and be eligible for a New Mexico Level III Educational Assistant license. Duties include collaborating with the teacher and providing support tailored to student needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; additional education/training desired.
• Must possess or qualify for New Mexico Level III Educational Assistant license.
• Demonstrate aptitude for work and flexibility to accept various tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in meeting individual student needs.
• Work with students in small groups and independently.
• Maintain confidentiality and support students with personal hygiene activities.

Skills

Desire to work with students

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

New Mexico Level III Educational Assistant license

Job description

Special Education Instructional Assistant - Job ID 1610

Position Type: Support Staff/Instructional Assistant

Date Posted: 5/27/2026

Location: YARBRO ELEMENTARY

Date Available: 07/20/2026

Closing Date: Until Filled

General Job Description

To provide opportunities for the teacher to attend to the individual needs of students.

To provide assistance in preparing our students academically, socially, and physically to become positive, productive participants in the 21st century.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED. Additional education and/or training desirable.
• Possess or qualify for a New Mexico Level III Educational Assistant license.
• Demonstrate aptitude for the work to be performed.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Display a desire to work with students.
• Serve as a role model.
• Work as a member of a team.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Assist licensed personnel in school environment where individual differences are respected.
• Respond to students as individuals.
• Help maintain cohesiveness in school environment.
• Assist with supplementary work for students and supervise independent study in the school environment.
• Use current technology for instructional management needs.
• Assist licensed personnel with student discipline up to and including safely restraining students.
• Assist in maintaining students’ involvement in appropriate tasks.
• Provide assistance with individualized program materials.
• May assist students with personal hygiene activities such as toileting, diapering and other personal care activities.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Work under supervision of certified teacher(s), prepare for classroom activities.
• Work with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist individual children in need of special attention.
• Guide independent study, enrichment and/or remedial work setup by the teacher(s).
• Set up audiovisual equipment as directed.
• Assist with reading and/or storytelling.
• Assist small groups of students in the library and other settings.
• Participate in in-service training programs.
• Contribute to the welfare and effectiveness of the classroom(s), the school, and the district by adhering to high standards of performance and interpersonal relationships.
• Model acceptable social skills in working with students, teachers, parents and supervisors.
• Report unsafe or dangerous surfaces and/or conditions in hallways, restrooms, playgrounds, entrances, and classrooms.
• Respond to the unique needs of the special education student.
• Other tasks as may be deemed appropriate and necessary by the immediate supervisor, the principal and/or the Superintendent.

Physical Requirements

Sitting, standing, lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, climbing stairs, kneeling, must be able to see and hear the entire classroom, and moving light furniture may be required.

Safety & Health

• Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions.

Equipment/Material Handled

Must know how to properly operate, or be willing to learn to operate, all multimedia equipment including current technology. Fax machine, laminator, book binders, paper cutters, etc.

Work Environment

Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Job responsibilities require both inside and outside assignments. Interruptions of work are routine. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self‑motivated and able to complete job assignment without direct supervision. After hours work may be required. May make site or home visits when needed and appropriate. Must be able to work under stressful conditions.

Salary

Educational Assistants Salary Schedule