Eliot school is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm Instructional Assistant to join our team. The role is half time for 3.5 hours a day, five days a week. The instructional assistant position will be in a third grade classroom and will support students in one class. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking to work in a school district that supports professional growth and opportunities. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here.

Job Description: Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Classroom Teacher, and Special Education Coordinator, the Instructional Assistant will work closely with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, social-emotional goals and objectives, and maintain appropriate student behavior. 

• Assist students with special education needs in all aspects of the classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic academic skills and implement assigned lessons and programs
• Assist with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance
• Assist with classroom behavior management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task
• Assist students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising lunch, recess, arrival or dismissal duty
• Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator, Principal, or Assistant Principal 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions
• Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to elementary-aged students
• Ability to make decisions at the moment to ensure the safety of all students
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members
• Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families
• Effective written and verbal communication skills 

Required Qualifications:

• Pursuit of Bachelors Degree in Education or in a field working with elementary-aged children
• Prior experience with students with special needs 

Application Procedure: 

Applications will be considered when a cover letter, resume, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts have been attached to our online applications.

Compensation and Benefits: 

Please review the Unit C contract and this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits. 

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.