Gen Ed Associate-PK-Elementary

Beginning

Hours/Days: 7 Hours Per Day, 178 Work Days;
Beginning August 17, 2026

Pay Rate: $12.35 per hour

Reports To: Classroom Teachers and Building Administration

To effectively work with students from PreK to 6th grade, individuals need a combination of personal qualities, skills, and knowledge. These essential characteristics include; patience, empathy, communication, flexibility, creativity, and a strong understanding of child development.

Individuals also support classroom teachers and school staff in the delivery of instruction and supervision of students. This role is focused on assisting with day-to-day activities within general education classrooms and school environments to ensure that all students have a safe, supportive, and effective learning experience.

A positive and encouraging attitude can greatly impact a child's learning experience and overall well-being.

• Help prepare and distribute learning materials, supplies, and equipment for projects or activities.
• 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 Work with classroom teachers to support students needing assistance.
• Follow classroom expectations from multiple teachers and building expectations from building administration.
• Supervise students in common areas such as bus or pickup areas, playground, lunchroom, classroom, high traffic congested areas and during transitions.
• Help maintain a supportive and compassionate classroom climate.
• Pay close attention to student behaviors, interests, and individual needs to allow educators to tailor their instruction and provide appropriate support.
• Assist in managing student behavior with positive behavior strategies.

• 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, but not limited to classrooms, small groups, and potential one‑on‑one situations.
• Supervise students and maintain discipline during non‑instructional times: on the playground, in the lunchroom, in traffic congested areas and during transitions.
• Maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, families and others.
• Complete district required training, CPI training (if required) and participate in scheduled professional development.
• Ensure the safety and well‑being of all students by executing school emergency procedures and protocols effectively during drills and real emergencies.
• Attend work regularly and promptly—FMCSD attendance expectation for staff is 95%.
• May include crossing guard duties.
• New associates must complete a 45‑day probation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum-High school diploma or GED; plus

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).

The qualified applicant must also have one of the following:

• Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education; or
• Obtained an Associates (or higher) degree; or
• Obtained voluntary Para certification through the Board of Educational Examiners; or
• Obtained an NCRC (National Career Readiness Certificate, Bronze Level)

Qualified applicants are required to complete the NCRC before starting in the school district if one of the above is not already met. Proof of above will be required during the hiring process.

• Experience working with elementary children preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with students in staff.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated dependability and regular attendance required.
• Must follow district policies, procedures, and safety practices.

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

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

The Fort Madison Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.

Fort Madison Community School District requires background check to be completed before hiring.