***To be considered for this role you must apply through SchoolSpring.com***
Needham Public Schools is hiring Instructional Assistants for the 2026-2027 school year, with open positions across our elementary, middle, and high schools. 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 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 (IA) supports all students and assists licensed educators 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:
(General to all IA)
Under the direction of the Classroom Teacher and the Special Education Coordinator, 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 students 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.
(Moderate Special Education)
Under the direction of the Classroom Teacher and the Special Education Coordinator, 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 students and classroom behavior.
- Participates and completes mandatory and elective professional development opportunities.
- Provides support services to individual student(s) who require physical transfers and support for nursing services.
- 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.
(Intensive Special Education IA)
Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Special Education Director, the Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistant provides specialized instruction and support for students with complex learning profiles and/or behavioral challenges enrolled in the Intensive Learning Center/Post Graduate Program, utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis. Depending on grade level and the individual needs of students, Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistants may be responsible for the following:
- Provide 1:1 or small group specialized instruction for students with significant special needs utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis which may take place in an inclusion setting
- Implement student specific behavior intervention plans including positive reinforcement, visual supports, cuing, de-escalation strategies, and/or providing motor breaks
- Prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges following district protocols
- Support students’ integration within a classroom setting through academic, social, and behavioral interventions
- Implement augmentative communication and assistive technology instruction and support for students who are non-speaking or have limited communication skills
- Provide life skill instruction including toileting, self-care, and travel training as appropriate
- Provide pre-vocational training and job coaching for students in school and the larger community as appropriate
- Assist with program specific data collection to monitor student progress and develop necessary support plans (e.g. academics, social skills, and behavior plans)
- Support students to navigate the school day including non-instructional time
- Prepare instructional materials for students based on their individual learning needs and goals
- Assist with home/school communications (e.g. daily log) as assigned
- Provide regular feedback to the special education team members on student progress
- Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal or Assistant Principal
The Instructional Assistant provides academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support for students during the day. Support can be provided in whole class, small group, or one-to-one in all content areas. In addition to classroom responsibilities, Instructional Assistants provide supervision at specials, recess, and lunch and perform other duties assigned to them.
Knowledge/Abilities/Skills:
(General)
- 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.
(Moderate and Intensive Special Education)
- Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions
- Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students
- Knowledge of complex learning profiles and common behavioral challenges
- Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students, including performing physical restraint when necessary
- Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
- Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members
- Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
Qualifications:
(General)
- Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Advanced degree with 1-3 years of previous IA experience is a plus.
(Moderate and Intensive Special Education)
- Bachelor’s degree in related field or at least 2 years of experience in a similar role (i.e., ABA, job coaching, etc)
- Demonstrate aptitude for work to be performed
- Passion for working with children/students with complex disabilities
- Basic knowledge of child growth and development
Job Environment:
(all)
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 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 may range from moderate to high.
Physical Requirements:
(all)
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 functions, or other related general physical tasks.
Compensation and Benefits:
Please review the and to learn more about employee compensation and benefits. The hourly range for General, Kindergarten, and Moderate Special Education Instructional Assistants is $24.42-$28.53 (SY26-27 rate); The hourly range for Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistants is $26.71-$29.86 (SY26-27 rate)
The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.
Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity page.
Pay: $24.42 - $29.86 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
