Special Education Paraeducator/Instructional Assistant (Extended Core) - Middle School

CENTRAL MIDDLE

Waterloo (IA)

On-site

USD 25,196 - 27,896

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Young World Physical Education in Waterloo, Iowa is seeking a full-time Special Education Paraeducator/Instructional Assistant. This role involves supporting students with special needs under the direction of the building principal.

The ideal candidate will assist teachers by providing effective educational programming and monitoring student progress. Qualifications include a high school diploma and a passion for helping students succeed.

Qualifications

Experience working with students with special needs preferred.
Ability to monitor and observe student behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
Basic record-keeping skills required.

Responsibilities

Assists in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students.
Monitors and assists students in prescribed learning activities.
Communicates with teachers regarding programs and materials to meet student needs.

Skills

Knowledge of behavior management techniques.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to develop rapport and interact effectively with students.

Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices.

Ability to handle emotionally charged situations.

Education

High school diploma or equivalency; NCLB compliance – 60 college credit hours or equivalent.

Tools

Basic computer skills (computer navigation, email, web browser).

Intermediate computer skills (Google Suite, student information systems).

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator/Instructional Assistant (Extended Core) - Middle School

Waterloo Community School District – CENTRAL MIDDLE, Waterloo, Iowa. Job ID 5789459. Application Deadline July 31, 2026 4:30 PM (Central Standard Time). Starting Date Aug 1, 2026. Position Type: Full‑Time. Salary: $18.29 to $20.25 per hour. Job Categories: Instructional Support > Individual Aide; Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA; Special Education > General Special Education; Special Education > Special Education Assistant.

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. It assists a teacher to provide an efficient and effective classroom and school environment for students by providing assistance with educational programming, either individually or in small groups. It also monitors, redirects students to support academic progress, supervises students, and performs various clerical duties.

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, developmental 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 Suite, search function, student information systems, Basis Promethean).
Ability to reach all skill levels listed if not already acquired.

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.
Provides 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 – 0%
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).

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.

Terms of Employment

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

Job Requirements