Primary Instructional Assistant

Canon City Schools•Canon City, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Primary Instructional Assistant provides instructional and classroom support under the direction of a lead teacher at McKinley Elementary School. The position is designed for individuals enrolled in an accredited teacher preparation program, preferably in their second or third year of coursework, who are gaining hands-on experience while preparing for future teacher certification and licensure. The role involves daily engagement with students and educators and support for students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. This is a full-time, one-year position for the 2026–2027 school year, scheduled from 7:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. for 164 days per year. The start date is as soon as agreed upon. Pay is determined by the Instructional Support Salary Schedule based on experience and education, with a stated minimum range of $17.86–$18.93 per hour. An additional $50 per day may be paid if assigned as a certified substitute teacher. The role is in person and based at McKinley Elementary School.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency.
Valid Colorado Substitute Authorization.
Criminal background check required for hire.
Must pass a pre-employment physical.
Ability to work cooperatively in a school environment with staff, students, and the public.
Ability to read, write, speak, and listen effectively to follow instructions, complete tasks, and establish priorities.
Integrity, trustworthiness, and work ethic to work with little supervision.
Competent understanding of technology needed to perform the job.
Ability to perform light lifting and move items up to 50 pounds.
Physical strength and coordination to meet the educational, physical, and emotional needs of assigned students.
Ability to work in person in a school setting.
Must meet the physical demands of the role, including regular hand use and occasional lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Enrollment in an approved Colorado Department of Education educator preparation program, preferably in the second or third year of coursework.
Completed Praxis exams required for licensure.
Experience working with children.
Strong communication and social skills.

Responsibilities

Support classroom instruction under the guidance of a certified teacher.
Work with individual students, small groups, or entire classes to reinforce learning.
Assist in managing classroom routines and expectations.
Help implement lesson plans and learning activities.
Supervise students in settings such as classrooms, hallways, lunch, and recess.
Support students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
Attend required trainings and meetings.
Maintain student confidentiality and support a positive learning environment.
Assist with substitute coverage when qualified and licensed, if asked.
Attend all preschool-required training if serving as a preschool paraprofessional.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of district data; maintain secure password and account practices; report actual or suspected data breaches; and follow district technology acceptable-use policies.
Model the District’s Mission and Belief Statements.