26-27 Instructional Assistant - Virtual School

KIPP DC • Washington, DC

21h • $37,440 - $57,337 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant supports students with special education needs in KIPP DC Innovate Virtual Academy’s virtual classrooms, working under the Lead Teacher’s direction to make learning accessible, engaging, and responsive to individual needs. The role provides whole-group, small-group, and one-on-one instructional support; reinforces concepts; and implements accommodations, modifications, and behavioral and academic strategies aligned with students’ IEPs. In virtual lessons and breakout rooms, the Instructional Assistant helps students navigate digital platforms and instructional materials, monitors engagement and work completion, and provides timely prompts and feedback. The role also helps students build routines, organize assignments, use assistive technology and accessibility tools, and develop confidence and independence as virtual learners. The Instructional Assistant collaborates with teachers and student support staff, shares observations about student progress, identifies participation barriers, and supports students at required in-person testing, field trips, and school activities.

This is a hybrid, school-based role supporting students in grades 5–12: one onsite day per week at a designated KIPP DC location in Washington, DC, and four remote days per week. Additional in-person attendance is required for field trips, student testing, school activities, and other needs determined by the Director of Virtual Learning and Programming. Instruction and student support take place virtually. Student-day instruction generally runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; typical work hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. two days per week and 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. three days per week.

The anticipated starting salary range is $37,440–$57,337. KIPP DC describes its work as grounded in academic excellence, joy and belonging, effective teachers and leaders, safe and nurturing learning environments, and college readiness. The Innovate Virtual Academy serves 158 students in grades 5–12 and has a 12-member staff team. Staff receive ongoing coaching, collaborative planning opportunities, and professional development; families are treated as essential partners in supporting student growth.

Requirements

• High school diploma or General Education Development Certificate (GED).
• Commitment to working with students from communities with limited access to high-quality educational opportunities.
• Knowledge of and ability to assist with reading, writing, and mathematics instruction.
• Strong communication skills with families and caregivers, including culturally responsive partnership.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to new tasks.
• Ability to use Zoom, Google Classroom, and various instructional platforms.
• Ability to remain in a classroom environment for extended periods to support assigned students.
• Ability to monitor students throughout the school building, including during transitions, lunch, and recess.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience as an aide, assistant, or paraprofessional working with students with special education needs.
• Experience in an urban K–12 public school setting.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting, affirming relationships with students, families, colleagues, and teammates, both virtually and in person.
• Support the Lead Teacher in implementing classroom culture strategies and positive behavior incentives, and de-escalate student behaviors using a variety of strategies.
• Provide specialized whole-group, small-group, and one-on-one instruction to students with special education needs using lesson plans.
• Provide individualized behavioral and academic support under teacher direction to advance students’ IEP goals.
• Observe students and take anecdotal notes to inform small-group arrangements, classroom setup, incorporation of student interests, and subsequent assessments.
• Attend Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings with the student support team and teachers as needed.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, professional development, and weekly planning and feedback meetings; implement coaching and feedback from school leaders, coaches, lead teachers, and grade-level chairs.
• Adapt responsibilities as student IEP needs and school needs change.
• Assist children with personal hygiene, toileting, meals, and other daily activities when applicable.
• Perform assigned arrival, lunch, transition, and dismissal duties and meet standards for professionalism, attendance, timeliness, and dress.
• Support family-teacher conferences, open houses, field trips, community events, student testing, and other school activities.
• Help students navigate virtual learning platforms, monitor engagement and work completion, and support their routines, assignments, and use of instructional materials and accessibility tools.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Voluntary benefits.
• Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• One Medical membership.
• 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match, with vesting after three years.
• Up to 15 paid time-off days.
• Up to 10 paid sick days.
• 12 paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED