2026-2027: Instructional Assistant – Adaptive Special Education Curriculum

Manassas Park City Schools is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Instructional Assistant – Adaptive Special Education Curriculum to support the academic and social-emotional growth of students with special needs at Manassas Park Middle School. This full-time, non-exempt position operates on a 7.5-hour day, 186-day schedule and reports to a Special Education Teacher and/or Building Principal.

Responsibilities

• Comply with all school laws, State Board of Education regulations, and School Board policies.
• Confer with teachers regularly to assist in evaluating special education student progress and implementing IEP objectives.
• Implement academic instruction taught by a special education teacher for individuals or small groups.
• Implement behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior challenges.
• Support students with daily personal care tasks such as toileting, feeding, and mobility assistance.
• Instruct special education students in subjects like math, science, reading, behavioral skills, daily living skills, writing, and verbal skills under teacher supervision.
• Maintain instructional materials and student files, including adapting materials, checking papers, and managing attendance.
• Monitor special education students during lunch, playground, and life enrichment activities.
• Perform record keeping (daily data on instruction and behavior) and clerical functions (e.g., correcting papers, copying).
• Carry out instructional plans as designated by the classroom teacher and the student’s IEP.
• Assist in preparing instructional materials and maintaining classroom behavior and control.
• Help students individually and in small groups on assignments and activities.
• Supervise students in the absence of the classroom teacher.
• Perform clerical and instructional duties as assigned by the classroom teacher or building principal.
• Assist with maintenance of instructional materials, equipment, and bulletin boards.
• Attend in-service and workshop meetings as assigned.
• Perform other related duties to ensure the efficient functioning of the work unit.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• Previous experience working with groups of children desired.
• Ability to work with students of various ability levels.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions related to instructional and behavioral plans.
• Ability to assist teachers with instructional activities and classroom management.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills for working with parents, students, and school personnel.

Physical Requirements

• Operates in a professional school environment including classrooms, gymnasiums, cafeterias, auditoriums, and outdoor areas.
• Frequent walking, standing, and movement throughout the school day; occasional climbing, kneeling, or crouching.
• Periods of sitting while preparing lessons, grading assignments, or completing administrative tasks.
• Lifting or moving instructional materials, supplies, or equipment up to 10 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 25 pounds or more.
• Regular use of computers, interactive whiteboards, projectors, printers, and other instructional technologies.
• Clear verbal communication, active listening, and visual attentiveness essential for instruction and student safety.
• Daily interaction with students, colleagues, administrators, and families.
• Occasional travel between school sites or participation in supervised field trips.

Conditions for Employment

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Screening.

Pay

Classified Pay Scale, Grade 5.

Schedule

7.5 hours per day, 186 days per year.