2026-2027 SY - Special Education Assistant (PA) - Secondary

Work Location: Gallup High School

Contract Length: 194 Days
Salary Range: $27,045.00 – $33,728.00

About the Role

To provide technical and advanced assistance to assigned specialist or professional in delivering the education plan and meeting the goals and objectives of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) of assigned student(s).

Responsibilities

• Assist specialist/professional in delivering the educational plan and meeting the goals and objectives of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) of assigned student(s).
• Assist teacher in implementing lesson plan; grading assignments and record keeping.
• Maintain appropriate files and records; attach all supporting documentation; ensure confidentiality of all records and files.
• Assist students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning concepts.
• Operate and care for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes; operates and cares for various audio-visual equipment, and operates various office machines to prepare classroom materials.
• Assist with supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, lunch, and field trips.
• Assist in providing special medical needs of students.
• Provide close supervision of students with behavior problems in the classroom; support the teacher's management system.
• Deliver educational services to children who are homebound due to health limitations, distance from school, etc.
• Assist physically challenged student(s) with eating, dressing, personal hygiene, and mobility functions when needed.
• Prepare regular and special diet meals; operate choppers, blenders, mixers, and other equipment; and make adjustments to regulate ovens or other cooking equipment.
• Assist in serving meals, paying particular attention to portioning, garnishing, and meeting Federal meal requirements on each meal served.
• Daily travel from site to site, and from home to home.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalency.
• Level III Educational Assistant license from the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED).
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid First Aid Certificate.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a Food Handlers Permit, if required.
• Some related experience including public contact is desirable.

Skills & Knowledge

Knowledge of:

• Classroom management.
• Cultural diversities of the local area and the traditional Native American beliefs of students and families.

Ability To:

• Administer and provide emergency first aid services to children.
• Promote positive child behavior and a safe and healthy environment.
• Handle and maintain the records of students in a confidential manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Understand and respect the cultural diversities and Native American traditional beliefs and practices of students and their families.

Working Conditions

• Office and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to human body fluids and cleaning and/or sterilization chemicals.
• On-site attendance is mandatory for this position.
• Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time; moderate to heavy lifting and repeated bending.