Middle School Special Education Educational Associate

About the role

Ames Middle School is seeking Special Education Educational Associates for the 2026-2027 school year. Full-time positions are benefit-eligible.

Responsibilities

• Assists students in interpreting and following teacher's directions.
• Assists students with classroom assignments during independent work time and/or workstations.
• Works with individual students or groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills prepared by the teacher.
• Accompanies and assists students in integrated classes, recess, and lunch.
• Works with classroom teachers with the collection and preparation of materials needed for lessons.
• Assists the teacher with student record keeping/daily documentation.
• Supervises and enforces building/individual discipline procedures in all educational settings both in and out of school according to the supervisor's directions.
• Assists with medical, health, and or behavior-related needs of students as instructed by the administrator, teacher, or nurse.
• Administers medication and first aid if identified.
• Assists in all aspects of personal hygiene.
• Corrects assignments, data collection and entry; maintain records, copying, and clerical as assigned.
• Participates in professional development as requested by the administration.
• Alerts the principal or teacher to any problem and special information about an individual student.
• Interacts effectively with various constituent groups, including but not limited to students, co-workers, parents, staff, and administration.
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of licensed teachers.
• Daily attendance and punctuality is required.
• Attends work on a consistent and punctual basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic understanding of the needs of children.
• Ability to relate effectively to children of all ages and with different academic and behavioral needs.
• Patience and compassion and a caring and helpful relationship with children.
• Basic computer skills including but not limited to: word processing using Google Docs or similar tools, internet searching, and email skills.
• Professional communications skills, both written and oral, including active listening skills.
• Ability to physically lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to bend, lift, sit on floor, run short distances, and assist physically active students.
• Emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved.
• Initiative and the insight to anticipate problem situations and respond accordingly.
• Taking directions, working with minimal supervision, and following policies and practices.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Skills

• Basic understanding of the needs of children.
• Ability to relate effectively to children of all ages and with different academic and behavioral needs.
• Patient and compassionate relationship with children.
• Basic computer skills.
• Professional communications skills.
• Physical strength to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Emotional maturity and stability.
• Initiative and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance (full-time employees).
• Life Insurance (full-time employees).
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (full-time employees).
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Paid holidays, personal days (2), sick leave (10 days first year), emergency days (5).
• IPERS Retirement Pay Rate: Level 2 Educational Associate: $16.20 per hour. Level 3 Educational Associate: $17.80 per hour.

Pay

• Level 2 Educational Associate: $16.20 per hour.
• Level 3 Educational Associate: $17.80 per hour.

Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 3:45 pm.
• 9.5 month position.

Application

To apply, please follow the link to apply online: Apply Online.

EEO Information

The Ames Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.