Special Education Instructional Assistant; FK

Special Education Instructional Assistant (FK) Job Details

Job : 5819426

Final date to receive applications: Jul 21, 2026 11:59 PM (UTC)

Posted: Jul 07, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 26, 2026

Location: Freeman-Kennedy School, Norfolk, Massachusetts

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $21 to $27 per hour

The Special Education Instructional Assistant supports delivery of the core curriculum and specialized programming for students with special needs, working under direct supervision of educators and specialists to facilitate whole‑class instruction and targeted interventions.

• Assist students with accessing general education curriculum and specialized instructional settings.
• Prepare materials for adapted or modified lessons, classroom activities, and assessments in accordance with each student’s IEP or 504 Plan.
• Work with individual students or small groups on prescribed educational programs.
• Maintain organized, predictable instructional environments.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among special educators, specialists, and general education teachers.
• Implement behavioral philosophy and positive behavior interventions; follow BIPs, crisis protocols, and consequences.
• Support students in developing self‑regulation, coping mechanisms, and social competencies.
• Adhere to Physical Restraint and Crisis Intervention Policies.
• Accurately document behavioral, emotional, and academic data.
• Provide supervision across school environments (arrival, dismissal, lunchroom, recess, field trips, classroom transitions).
• Attend specialist classes as directed to support participation and behavioral regulation.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized classroom areas.
• Respond to specific physical needs, personal care routines, and cleanliness while preserving dignity.
• Utilize school‑to‑home communication logs.
• Demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability.
• Complete required district safety training, medical training, and crisis intervention programs.
• Participate in district‑provided professional development.

• Associate’s Degree or Para Pro Certificate required;
  Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• College‑level training in education, special education, child development, or psychology is highly desirable.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

Step 2: $21.41 per hour with Associate’s Degree or Para Pro Certificate.

Step 2: $27.06 per hour with Bachelor’s Degree + 15 credits or higher.

Specified in union agreement between Norfolk School Committee and Paraprofessional Unit.

Submit the following documents in person at Freeman‑Kennedy School or by mail:

• Certified transcripts or high school diploma
• Original, signed recent letters of reference
• W‑4
• CORI
• I‑9 (must be filled out in person)
• Proof of citizenship: passport or permanent resident card; or driver’s license and social security card; or driver’s license and birth certificate

• Kara Muirhead, Special Education Team Chair/Administrator
• One Liberty Lane, Norfolk, Massachusetts 02056
• Phone: 508‑528‑1225
• Email: muirhead.ma.us