Instructional Assistant (Special Education) - Jackson-Via Elementary School (2026-2027 School Year)

Charlottesville City Schools•Charlottesville, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant (Special Education) provides clerical, instructional, and human support to assist the classroom teacher with classroom management and student instruction. The assistant works under the supervision of the classroom teacher and may independently perform some aspects of the instructional program, sharing results and data with the teacher. The role supports students with disabilities and may involve carrying out appropriate Individual Education Plan (IEP) provisions, assisting with personal care and health-related duties, and helping students participate in learning and related services. The position is based at Jackson-Via Elementary School and has a contract length of 189 days. Work is typically performed in school settings, including classrooms, gyms, cafeterias, auditoriums, and recreational areas. Occasional travel with students for field trips may be necessary. The job requires daily close contact with children and regular contact with staff, parents, and potentially medical professionals. Occasional attendance at conferences, meetings, and training beyond normal assigned hours is necessary. The position is evaluated by the classroom teacher and Administration.

Requirements

Complete at least 60 hours of college credit, hold an associate’s or higher degree, or successfully pass the ParaPro Assessment.
Understand and assist with basic language arts and math skills.
Have excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate with diverse groups.
Be able to perform multiple non-technical tasks and upgrade skills as job conditions change.
Be able to operate standard office equipment and prepare and maintain accurate records.
Have knowledge of school policies and procedures, effective discipline procedures, age- and ability-appropriate activities, grammar and punctuation, and safety practices and procedures.
Be able to follow directions from the classroom teacher and adapt processes quickly to changing situations.
Be able to develop effective working relationships with students, parents, and staff; work as part of a team; and maintain confidentiality.
Demonstrate problem-solving ability, an empathetic attitude toward students with disabilities, and willingness to learn specialized instructional techniques.
Meet the physical demands of the role, including occasional lifting of equipment up to 40 pounds; carrying, pushing, or pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and significant fine dexterity.
Be able to provide daily personal close contact with children and classroom management and learning-environment support.

Responsibilities

Follow and conduct instructional plans designated by the classroom teacher and, when appropriate, the student’s IEP.
Assist students individually and in groups to present or reinforce learning concepts.
Administer tests, homework assignments, and make-up work as directed by the teacher.
Maintain a pleasant and orderly classroom environment, including instructional materials, bulletin boards, and clean-up activities.
Assist the teacher in maintaining appropriate classroom behavior and control, and assign discipline when directed.
Support instructional activities such as field trips, library visits, and assemblies by identifying support needs, reinforcing behavior and social skills, and helping create a safe, positive learning environment.
Assist with students’ physical movement between learning environments.
Record attendance and collect lunch monies as directed by the teacher.
Perform clerical duties such as typing, filing, and duplicating at the teacher’s direction.
Supervise students in the cafeteria, during lunch, during free time, and during other non-instructional periods as directed.
Assist with maintenance of student records when directed by the teacher.
Participate in team meetings.
Assist students with toileting, feeding, and positioning.
Perform health-related duties as directed by the teacher after receiving training, potentially including catheterization, gastrointestinal feedings, assistive breathing devices, and colostomy or ileostomy needs.
Assist with carry-over of related services, including Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Skills.
Attend occasional parent conferences, building-level and division-wide meetings, and training activities beyond normal assigned hours.