K-2 Inclusive Instructional Assistant

Para educator – Mainstream Instructional Assistant

Essex Westford School District (EWSD) is seeking a full‑time Mainstream Instructional Assistant for grades K‑2 at Essex Elementary School. The role supports students with academic, behavioral, and physical needs in inclusive classroom settings. Responsibilities include adapting instructional materials, implementing student‑specific support plans, assisting with personal care, collecting data on student progress, implementing behavior plans, and supervising students throughout the school day.

The assistant works closely with teachers and support staff to promote student success and contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive school environment. The position requires working with a student individually in collaboration with a special educator.

Pay: $23.51+ based on experience

EWSD offers benefits including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement plan with up to 6% employer contribution.

Primary

Job Duties:

• Instructional Support:
  Assist students with academic tasks, implement IEP‑driven instructional strategies, and adapt classroom materials in collaboration with teachers.
• Behavioral and Physical Support:
  Support students’ behavioral plans, facilitate inclusive peer interactions, and provide assistance with mobility, personal care, and health needs.
• Data and Assessment:
  Collect and record data on student performance and behavior, assist with informal assessments, and participate in evaluating student progress.
• Student Supervision:
  Monitor and support students during instructional and non‑instructional times, including lunch, recess, arrival/dismissal, and teacher absences.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow directions, implement educational and behavior programs, and support students with a variety of needs.
• Ability to collect data accurately and maintain confidentiality.
• Experience with children in the early elementary ages.
• Physical capacity to support student mobility, positioning, and care needs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or two years of college coursework.
• Previous experience working with children in an educational or support role.
• Training or experience in special education, behavior support, or inclusive practices.
• Familiarity with IEP implementation and data collection procedures.

For additional information, please review the full job description.

EWSD is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Successful candidates must be committed to working effectively with diverse community populations and are expected to strengthen such capacity if hired. Candidates with experience working in another country, the ability to speak more than one language fluently, and/or Peace Corps experience are encouraged to apply.

Position Type: Full‑Time School Year

Salary: $23.51 to $24.13 per hour

Job Requirements: Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

EWSD conducts thorough screenings of all applicants being recommended for hire, which may include contacting references not listed on your application. Selected individuals are subject to criminal records background checks and child and adult abuse registry checks. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon acceptable results of these checks at the sole discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee. Please  for additional background check information.

• Ashley Gray, Principal
• Essex Elementary School
• Phone:
• Email: agray