Special Education Paraeducator​/Instructional Assistant - High School

Special Education Para educator/Instructional Assistant – High School

Waterloo Community School District EAST HIGH – Waterloo, Iowa

• Job : 5761520
• Final date to receive applications: Jul 15, 2026 4:30 PM (Central Standard Time)
• Posted: Jun 04, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)
• Starting Date: Aug 1, 2026
• Position Type: Full‑Time
• Salary: $18.29 to $20.25 per hour

Job Title: Special Education Para educator/Instructional Assistant

FLSA Status: Non‑exempt

Classification: Educational Support Personnel

Immediate Supervisor: Building Principal

Waterloo Schools is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Summary: This position works under the direction of the building administrator and Director of Special Education. The role assists a teacher to provide an efficient and effective classroom and school environment for students by providing assistance with educational programming, either individually or in small groups, monitoring and redirecting students, providing supervision and performing a variety of clerical duties.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalency
• NCLB compliance – 60 college credit hours, associate’s degree, generalist or specialist para educator license issued by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners OR completion of the district‑approved competency test
• Computer/technology training as required

Certification

• NCLB compliance – see above

Experience

• Experience working with students with special needs preferred

• Knowledge of behavior management techniques
• Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices, especially for students with learning disabilities, developmental delays, and autistic behavior
• Knowledge of core subjects and instructional activities
• Knowledge of safe practices and health regulations
• Knowledge of instructional methods and techniques
• Ability to monitor and observe student behavior
• Knowledge of district policies, rules and regulations
• Basic record‑keeping skills
• Ability to develop rapport and interact effectively with students
• Effective oral and written communication
• Ability to handle emotionally charged situations
• Collaborate professionally with staff, students and families
• Maintain confidentiality
• Professional conduct and attendance
• Professional appearance

• Basic computer skills – navigation, email, web browser, Employee Portal
• Intermediate skills – Google Suites, search function, student information systems, Basis Promethean
• Acquire all skill levels if not already

• Assist with instruction to individuals or small groups, reinforcing teacher’s direction
• Participate in professional development
• Provide additional support based on individual need
• Participate in IEP meetings and behavior intervention meetings when applicable
• Collaborate to improve practice and student learning
• Monitor and assist students in learning activities
• Observe and report progress in behavior, academics or health
• Assist students and parents with guidance and emotional support
• Communicate with teachers about programs and materials
• Follow health and safety practices
• Help students develop self‑help and self‑advocacy skills
• Implement specialized student plans (IEP, BIP, 504, IHP)
• Support PBIS initiatives
• Model responsible behavior and maintain standards
• Use instructional time effectively
• Supervise students in various areas
• Direct student group activities
• Aid in de‑escalating behaviors
• Implement classroom management system
• Serve as bus monitor or transport students as needed
• Follow Board policies and district procedures
• Complete other assigned duties

• Standing, walking, sitting, bending/strooping, pushing/pulling, reaching, climbing/stairs, driving, lifting up to 25 lbs, carrying up to 25 lbs, manual dexterity tasks, telephone, computer
• Working conditions:
  
  inside, outside, extremes in temp/humidity
• Additional: ability to provide physical care, perform physical restraint following procedures, successful completion of post‑offer drug screening and physical and background checks

As defined by the Board of Education and the negotiated agreement with the Waterloo Education Support Personnel. Performance evaluated annually.

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

• Rob Griffin, Assistant Principal
• EAST HIGH
• Phone: 319‑433‑2400
• Email: griffinr