Sawyer Elementary Special Education Educational Assistant

Sawyer Elementary Special Education Educational Assistant

Welcome to Ames Community School District, where we are more than just a workplace – we are a community dedicated to supporting personal and professional growth. As a member of Ames CSD, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and access to a wide range of employee discount programs. You'll also be part of an organization that values individuals for who they are and encourages collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect.

We offer modern, well-equipped facilities—newly built and thoughtfully renovated—to ensure you have the tools and environment needed to thrive in your role. Our “Grow Your Own” initiative, supported by the Purple Pathways program, underscores our focus on helping employees advance and succeed in their careers. Join us at Ames CSD, where your strengths are celebrated, your potential is nurtured, and you’re surrounded by a community that champions your success.

Sawyer Elementary School is seeking Special Education Educational Associates for the  school year. Full-time positions are benefits-eligible.

Under the supervision of an administrator and special education teacher, assists the teacher in the education of students, including instructional assistance, management of student behavior, record keeping, classroom safety, security and organization, and interaction and communication with students and staff. Provides direct and indirect educationally related services to disabled students and assists the special education teacher in creating a positive learning environment to facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual development of students.

Monday-Friday, 7:15 am-3:15 pm, 174-day work calendar

• Assists students in interpreting and following the 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.
• Assists 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.
• Knowing the District must have regular and dependable employees to meet its mission of educating children, daily attendance and punctuality is required.
• Attends work on a consistent and punctual basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• 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
• Ability to take directions, work with minimal supervision, and follow policies and practices

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance (full-time employees)
• Life Insurance (full-time employees)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (full-time employees)
• Paid Time Off-Paid holidays, personal days (2), sick leave (10 days first year), emergency days (5)
• IPERS Retirement

Pay Rate:
Level 2 Educational Associate: $15.90 per hour. Level 3 Educational Associate: $17.45 per hour.

Candidates, please follow the link to apply online:

Ames CSD is an E-Verify employer. The Ames CSD is an EEO/AA employer.