Elementary Special Education Instructional Assistant

Elementary Special Education Instructional Assistant

Recruitment began on February 4, 2026

and the job listing Expires on March 7, 2026

*** In order to be considered for this position you must apply through School Spring ***

Eliot School is seeking an Instructional Assistant beginning in January, 2026. We are seeking warm, knowledgeable and energetic individuals who enjoy working with a racially, linguistically and culturally diverse student population.

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 .

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled Special Education Instructional Assistant to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The Instructional Assistant supports all students and assists the respectively-licensed educator in the delivery of curricula. The IA supports classroom learners, including students in special education programs. IAs are trained and supported by classroom teachers, school administrators, and support staff.

Job Description:

Under the direction of the Classroom Teacher, the Instructional Assistant performs the essential functions and duties listed below:

• Provides academic, behavioral and/ or emotional support for students during the day.
• Prepares instructional material for students.
• Assists with any special area classes.
• Assists with the management of individual student and classroom behavior.
• Participates and completes mandatory and elective professional development opportunities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The duties listed above are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge/Abilities/

Skills:

• Ability to work with students with various learning profiles and varying support needs.
• Ability to keep a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
• Ability to display patience with students.
• Knowledge of student safety requirements and practices.
• Technology and computer skills.

Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Advanced degree with 1-3 years of previous IA experience is a plus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regularly required to sit (including sitting on the floor or other hard surface), stand, walk, kneel, talk, hear, operate a computer, handheld learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, work indoors or outdoors, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Occasionally may need to assist students with standing, sitting, organizational…