Specialized Instructional Assistant - Middle School (TLP)

Lexington Public Schools•Lexington, MA

About The Position

The Specialized Instructional Assistant supports middle school students in the Therapeutic Learning Program (TLP) and mainstream academic classes. The role is part of the Department of Special Education and works under the direction of the TLP Teacher and Social Worker, with reporting lines to the Building Principal and the Director of Special Education. The position is non-exempt and is covered by the Paraprofessional Staff benefits and terms in the LEA Unit C collective bargaining agreement. The listed schedule is 33.75 hours per week, with an immediate start date. The hourly rate is $33.03–$36.46; the FY26 salary scale may change based on completed negotiations. The assistant provides academic and therapeutic support, helps implement student intervention plans, collects classroom data, and communicates with staff about student progress, attendance, and support needs. The role also involves staff coverage and participation in meetings and program activities. A bachelor’s degree is highly preferred. Candidates must be willing and able to physically manage students if needed and should have classroom experience at the middle school level and comfort and familiarity with social-emotional disabilities. The position requires collaboration, flexibility, and a commitment to working in a racially and culturally diverse teaching and learning community.

Requirements

Must be willing and able to physically manage students if needed.
Ability to collaborate with a team and remain flexible in day-to-day work tasks.
Experience and commitment to working in a racially and culturally diverse teaching and learning community.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree highly preferred.
Middle school classroom experience preferred.
Comfort and familiarity with social-emotional disability needed.

Responsibilities

Tutor individual students under the direction of academic and therapeutic staff.
Support students in TLP and mainstream academic classes.
Facilitate implementation of strategies and interventions addressing students’ academic needs.
Implement social, emotional, and behavioral intervention plans developed by the team.
Collect data on classroom behaviors and interventions.
Provide coverage for staff.
Communicate with staff regarding student progress.
Triage students to appropriate staff.
Communicate with staff regarding students’ daily attendance at school and class.
Provide passes for students.
Attend staff meetings, community meetings, and other staff and student activities.
Contribute to a positive and productive environment within the program.
Perform other duties as assigned.