Special Education Paraeducator/Instructional Assistant - Elementary

LOWELL

Waterloo (IA)

On-site

USD 25,000 - 28,000

Full time

11 days ago

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Job summary

LOWELL in Waterloo, Iowa is seeking a Special Education Paraeducator/Instructional Assistant. The position supports teachers by aiding individual and small group instruction, monitoring student behavior, and assisting with clerical tasks to maintain an effective classroom environment.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent and NCLB/competency credentials. Candidates should have strong behavior management skills and be able to collaborate with staff and families in a respectful,

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.
NCLB compliance – 60 college credit hours, associate’s degree, generalist or specialist para educator license or competency test.
Computer/technology training as required for the position.

Responsibilities

Assists in providing instruction to individuals or small groups as directed by the teacher.
Participates in professional development.
Provides support to students based on individual need.
Participates in IEP meetings/behavior meetings when applicable.
Monitors and reports progress of students in behavior and academics.
Communicates with teachers regarding programs and materials.

Skills

Behavior management

Student guidance

Instructional support

Classroom surveillance

Communication (oral/written)

Team collaboration

Professional conduct

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

NCLB compliance/credit hours or license

Technology training

Tools

Google Suites

Employee Portal

Promethean/interactive boards

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator/Instructional Assistant - Elementary

Waterloo Community School District LOWELL - Waterloo, Iowa Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in TeachIowa, Iowa's Marketplace for education jobs , and Waterloo Community School District

Job Details

Job ID: 5938710
Application Deadline: Oct 30, 2026 4:30 PM (Central Standard Time)
Posted: Sep 24, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Job Title: Special Education Paraeducator/Instructional Assistant

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification: Educational Support Personnel

Immediate Supervisor: Building Principal

Waterloo Schools is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Summary: This position works under the direction of the building administrator and Director of Special Education. This position is responsible for assisting a teacher to provide an efficient and effective classroom and school environment for students by providing assistance with educational programing, either individually or small groups of students. This position is also responsible for monitoring, redirecting students to support academic progress, providing supervision of students, and performing a variety of clerical duties as assigned.

Hiring Specifications:

Education

High school diploma or equivalency
NCLB compliance – 60 college credit hours, associate’s degree, generalist or specialist para educator license issued by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners OR successful completion of the district-approved competency test
Computer/technology training as required for the position

Certification

NCLB compliance – see above

Experience

Experience working with students with special needs preferred

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Knowledge of behavior management techniques
Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with learning disabilities, development delays and autistic behavior
Knowledge of core subjects taught in district schools including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading, including punctuation and vocabulary and ability to assist with instructional and related activities in a learning environment
Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities and health regulations
Knowledge of core instructional methods and techniques
Ability to monitor and observe student behavior according to approved policies and procedures
Knowledge of district policies, rules and regulations
Basic record-keeping skills
Ability to develop rapport and interact effectively with students
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Ability to handle emotionally charged situations
Ability to interact and collaborate with staff, students and families in a professional manner
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, parents and community members regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, religion, marital status, age, socio-economic status or disability
Show professional and ethical conduct as defined by district policy and procedures
Show excellent attendance and is consistently on time for work as scheduled (including after all breaks)
Maintain a professional appearance

Technology Requirements

Basic computer skills (computer navigation, email, web browser, Employee Portal)
Intermediate computer skills (Google Suites, search function, student information systems, basis promethean)
Ability to reach all skill levels listed if not already acquired

Supervision of Others:

Personal Contacts:

All district staff, students and families
Central Rivers AEA personnel

Job Duties:

Assists in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher.
Actively participates in professional development.
Provide additional support to students based on individual need.
Actively participates in IEP meetings, behavior intervention meetings when applicable.
Works with others to improve professional practice and student learning.
Monitors and assists students in prescribed learning activities.
Monitors, observes and reports progress of student(s) in regards to behavior, academics or health related issues as determined by teacher, instructional strategist or administrator.
Assists students and parents by providing proper examples, emotional support and general guidance as directed.
Communicates with teachers regarding programs and materials to meet student needs.
Follows health and safety practices and regulations.
Assists students in developing self-help and self-advocacy skills as directed.
Assists in implementing specialized student plans (IEP, BIP, 504, IHP), as needed.
Supports Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) initiatives.
Communicates models and maintains standards of responsible student behavior in line with classroom and building goals and rules.
Uses instructional time effectively to maximize student achievement.
Provides appropriate supervision of students in classrooms, halls, lunchroom, playground and all other areas as directed.
Directs student group activities as assigned.
Provides assistance with de-escalating student behaviors in order to maximize instructional time.
Implements classroom management system.
Bus monitor as needed for student support.
Transports students as needed (primarily TAP Para).
Follows Board policies, district procedures and contractual obligations.
Completes other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

NEVER

OCCASIONAL

1-32%

FREQUENT

33-66%

CONSTANT

67%+

Standing

Walking

Sitting

Bending/Stooping

Pushing/Pulling

Reaching

Climbing/Stairs

Driving

Lifting

Up to 25 lbs.

Carrying

Up to 25 lbs.

Manual Dexterity Tasks

Telephone

Computer

Other

Working Conditions

Inside

Outside

Extremes in temp/humidity

Additional Physical Requirements:

Ability to provide physical care for assigned student(s)
Ability to perform physical restraint as needed following the appropriate district procedures
Successful completion of post-offer drug screening and physical as well as background check and as required thereafter by master agreement and State law.

Terms of Employment: As defined by the Board of Education and the negotiated agreement with the Waterloo Education Support Personnel. Performance evaluated annually.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $18.29 to $20.25 Per Hour

Instructional Support > Individual Aide

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Special Education > General Special Education

Special Education > Special Education Assistant

Job Requirements