Special Education Teacher Assistant - SKMS (2026-2027 School Year)

SKYLINE MIDDLE SCHOOL; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Skyline Middle School in Harrisonburg, VA seeks a Special Education Instructional Assistant to support students in regular and special education classes. The role reports to the principal and follows a 200-day contract with a teacher assistant salary scale.

The position requires collaboration with families and staff to promote inclusive education. Qualified candidates typically have two years of college and strong communication skills; bilingual ability is a plus.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to communicate clearly in spoken and written form.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures with accuracy and speed.
• Experience working with diverse students and families.
• Bilingual ability is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with requirements of regular/special education classrooms and IEP goals.
• Inform teachers of student information affecting academic and social progress.
• Prepare classroom materials suited to student needs and lesson plans.
• Provide one-on-one tutoring and modeling appropriate social behaviors.
• Attend classes with students and assist with note-taking and behavior support.
• Supervise small groups and manage attendance and daily routines.

Skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Independent worker

Bilingual preferred

Education

Two years of college

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Instructional technology

Job description

Special Education Teacher Assistant - SKMS (2026-2027 School Year)

Harrisonburg City Public Schools SKYLINE MIDDLE SCHOOL - Harrisonburg, Virginia Open in Google Maps

Harrisonburg City Public Schools SKYLINE MIDDLE SCHOOL - Harrisonburg, Virginia Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5965920

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 20, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Position:

Special Education Instructional Assistant

Reports to:

Principal

Contract:

200 Days

Salary Scale:

Teacher Assistant

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Revised:

9/2010, 1/2021, 6/2022, 9/2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assist, tutor, and or support special education student/students with the requirements of regular/special education classes.

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light work, lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently. Regular travel throughout the school and effectively interact with students, staff, and community members. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; and subject to inside and outside environmental conditions. Occasional travel with students on field trips as necessary. Attendance at evening and weekend student or staff activities, Parent Teacher Organization meetings, and other functions, as required. Regular contact with staff members and parents/guardians is required. Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

EVALUATION:

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of classified personnel.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $25,582 to $42,207 Per Year

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

Contact Information

• Harrisonburg City Public Schools HR Department
• One Court Square
• Harrisonburg , Virginia 22801
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]