Special Ed Associate-Jr/Sr High

7 work hours per day / 178 work days; beginning August 17, 2026 (days prorated if hired after the start of the year). Reports to: Classroom Teacher and Building Administration.

About the Role

The special education classroom associate provides instructional, supervisory, and behavioral support to students under the direction of the certified teaching staff and building principal. The associate contributes to a safe and effective learning environment by assisting the classroom teacher, working with small groups or individual students, and maintaining consistent expectations throughout the school day. A positive and encouraging attitude can greatly impact a student's learning experience and overall well-being.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up classroom routines and transitions, such as greeting students and ensuring that classroom technologies (e.g., Chromebooks) follow established guidelines.
• Inform the teacher promptly of observed behaviors needing further attention or that may require office intervention.
• Be familiar with established protocols for office-handled incidents.
• Work with classroom teachers to support students needing assistance.
• Assist in managing student behavior with positive behavior strategies.
• Follow classroom expectations from multiple teachers and building expectations from administration.
• Supervise and maintain discipline in the bus area, lunchroom, classrooms, traffic-congested areas, and during transitions.
• Help maintain a supportive and compassionate classroom climate.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all students by executing school emergency procedures and protocols effectively during drills and real emergencies.
• Work patiently with maturing students, as they often have varying learning paces and may display impulsive or reactive behaviors.
• Help monitor student behavior and provide immediate redirection when minor incidents (e.g., brief disrespectful language, mild disruptions) occur.
• Work closely with administrative staff during incidents requiring escalation to ensure that appropriate office-handled protocols are followed.
• Model appropriate language and behavior, ensuring that all students adhere to the school's expectations for respectful dialogue.
• Follow and carry out student IEPs at the guidance of the special education teacher.
• Consult with the Special Education Teacher on an ongoing basis.
• Assist students with mobility or physical needs as required.
• Monitor classroom technology to ensure that students use digital tools appropriately, in line with guidelines for using school technology to prevent misuse or misinterpretation of communication.
• Establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students, staff, and others contacted in the course of the work.
• Assist teachers and students in a variety of settings, including classrooms, small groups, and potential one-on-one situations.
• Maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, families, and others.
• Be supportive in the learning environment while maintaining the dignity and respect of the students.
• Complete Mandatory CPI training if required.
• Complete district-required training and participate in professional development.
• Attend work regularly and promptly—FMCSD attendance expectation for staff is 95%.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum: High school diploma or GED.
• The qualified applicant must meet a rigorous standard of quality and be able to demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment, knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics (or, as appropriate, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness).
• One of the following:
  • Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education; or
  • Obtained an Associate’s (or higher) degree; or
  • Obtained voluntary Para certification through the Board of Educational Examiners; or
  • Obtained an NCRC (National Career Readiness Certificate, Bronze Level).
• Applicants who are offered a position and qualify to be hired are required to complete the NCRC before starting in the school district if one of the above is not already met. Proof of qualifications will be required during the hiring process.
• New associates must complete a 45-work day probation.

Pay

$14.50 per hour.

Benefits

This position includes a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes IPERS, paid personal/sick leave, and medical/dental/vision insurance.

Physical Requirements

• Bending, carrying, climbing, driving, lifting, pushing/pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, walking.