Special Education Teacher Assistant- SMES

Special Education Teacher Assistant – SMES 2026‑2027 School Year

Harrisonburg City Public Schools – Smithland Elementary, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Job : 5688814
Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled
Posted: May 04, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately

Position: Special Education Instructional Assistant

Reports to: Principal

Contract: 200 Days

Salary Scale: Teacher Assistant

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Revised: 9/2010, 1/2021, 6/2022

Assist, tutor, and/or support special education student(s) with the requirements of regular/special education classes. Bilingual preferred.

• Possess high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency certificate. (College degree preferred.)
• Has completed the Virginia General Assembly training requirements for paraprofessionals assigned to work with a teacher who has primary oversight of students with Autism Disorder (ASD) or will complete such training within 60 days of employment (or transfer to this role) with Harrisonburg City Public Schools.
• Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with equity and inclusion frameworks. Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Assist the student with the requirements of the regular/special education classroom teachers and the goals defined in their I.E.P. (Individualized Educational Plan).
• Inform the regular/special education teachers of any special information or problems about the individual student that relates to their academic/social success.
• Assist the teachers in the preparation of classroom materials that meet the needs of this student.
• Provide one‑on‑one academic tutoring/socially appropriate modeling with the student as necessary.
• Attend classes with this student when needed (assist with notes, review, behavior modification issues, etc.).
• Keep the regular/special education teachers continually informed on the student’s academic and behavioral progress.
• Assume supervision duties as assigned and work with small groups of special education students as directed.
• Prepare daily attendance/lunch counts and submit to the proper location.
• Take students to/from classroom for required medications.
• Assist with specific medical/physical issues as directed by the teacher.
• Willing to learn how to connect and use assistive technology.
• Takes all industry standard precautions to protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintains appropriate state licensure; participates in staff development and training to keep skills up-to-date.
• Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.
• Actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
• Maintains confidentiality when appropriate.
• Complies with and supports school division policies, regulations, procedures, and the HCPS Strategic Plan.
• Effectively performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or lead teacher.

Light work, lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally or up to 10 pounds frequently. Regular travel within the school and interaction with students, staff, and community members. Vocal communication, hearing, visual acuity, and awareness of environmental conditions required. Occasional travel with students on field trips. Attendance at evening and weekend activities, Parent‑Teacher Organization meetings, and other functions as needed.

Performance will be evaluated according to school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of classified personnel.

Position Type: Full‑Time
Salary: $23,218 to $38,319 Per Year
Job Categories: Instructional Support >
Paraprofessional / IA

• Harrisonburg City Public Schools HR Department
• One Court Square
• Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
• Phone: 540‑434‑9916
• Email: human resources.va.us