Special Education Instructional Assistant (48+ college hours) 2026-2027

La Joya Independent School District; La Joya (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

La Joya Independent School District is seeking a Special Education Instructional Assistant (with 48 college hours) for the 2026-2027 school year. Starting immediately, the position supports teachers in the classroom, assists with instruction, supervision, and behavior management for students with special needs.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED with 48 college hours (or 2 years postsecondary), and completion of a Para-Professional Certificate.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED plus 48 college hours or 2 years postsecondary education.
• Para-Professional Certificate (SBEC process when hired).
• Experience/knowledge: Some experience working with children.

Responsibilities

• Works with teachers and assistants as part of the teaching team.
• Provides direct instructional support to students and monitors progress as outlined in IEP.
• Implements modifications and assists with charting student progress.
• Monitors student behavior and helps with classroom routines and materials preparation.
• Handles behavior support and safety protocols per district guidelines.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Student supervision

Education

High School Diploma or GED

48 college hours

Para-Professional Certificate

Job description

Special Education Instructional Assistant (48+ college hours) 2026-2027

La Joya Independent School District Assigned Campus - La Joya, Texas Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5469128
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Re-Posted: Apr 04, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Job Title:Special Education Assistant

Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to:Campus Principal/Special Education Executive Director

Salary:Instructional Support Pay Plan

48 college hours Pay Grade 2

Associate’s Degree Pay Grade 4

Bachelor’s Degree Pay Grade 5

Dept/School:Assigned Campus

Initiated Date: February 4, 2002Revised Date: January 11, 2021

District Primary Purpose:

To assist and promote La Joya ISD in implementing a rigorous curriculum/instructional program that supports student success and achievement.

Department Primary Purpose:

The major role of the instructional assistant is to assist the teacher with classroom instruction so that learning is maximized for all students. The resource/inclusion/content mastery assistant’s purpose is to assist in the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; observing and documenting student progress and/or behavior; implementing plans for instruction; and monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

High School Diploma or GED and 48-college hours or 2 years postsecondary education

Para-Professional Certificate (Process to State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) when hired.)

Experience/Knowledge: Some experience working with children.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Works cooperatively with teachers and other assistants as members of the “teaching team.”
• Assists students requiring daily care (e.g. in rare occasions: toileting, diapering, feeding, etc) for the purpose of providing appropriate care and /or developing children’s daily living activities and behavior skills.
• Provides direct instructional support to individual and/or groups of students and monitors ability to follow directions and behavior, or designated classes/activities with the student (s) as outlined in the IEP.
• Implements recommended modifications and adaptations to the environment or materials as directed by the teacher (s), and assist staff in maintaining charts and other records related to students’ progress.
• Participates in daily planning sessions with teacher(s).
• Reinforces concepts/skills that have been introduced by the teacher(s).
• Provides corrective feedback and/or positive reinforcement to the students during guided practice activities.
• Works with small groups of students or individual student on specific identified needs.
• Helps with other classroom management activities such as procedures/routines, and materials preparation/organization.
• Assists staff in the management of student behavior by applying proactive strategies when dealing with student behaviors. Implements district approved techniques for verbal de escalation and safe physical restraints, such as Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training.
• Implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other conditions as outlined in the IEP.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. restrooms, playground, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the safety and welfare of special education students.
• Performs other instructionally related activities deemed appropriate by the teacher.
• Maintains confidentiality of all student information and all aspects of the special education department.
• Performs other duties pertaining to special education as assigned by the Principal/Executive Director.
• Follow all Work from Home Protocols when working remotely.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written in English and Spanish), interpret policy and procedures, maintain emotional control under stress.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling, regular heavy lifting of students. This position may involve rare exposure to bacteria, bodily fluids and communicable diseases.

POSITION WORKING DAYS: 187 Days

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

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