Special Education Instructional Assistant

Special Education Instructional Assistant

Westwood Public Schools, EW Thurston Middle School – Westwood, Massachusetts

Job : 5454903

Final date to receive applications: May 29, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Re‑Posted: Jan 29, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Jan 5, 2026

To assist the special education teacher in maintaining appropriate instructional activities and environments as described in the individual educational plan so that students may learn effectively.

• Work under teacher supervision with students to support learning of materials or skills in both pull‑out and in‑class settings.
• Support students’ acquisition of skills with equipment, technology, or other instructional materials as assigned by the teacher.
• Guide independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work supervised and assigned by the teacher.
• Administer and monitor testing as directed by the teacher (e.g., testing accommodations, extended time) for local and state mandated testing.
• Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on the students’ individual needs, interests, and abilities.
• Implement positive behavioral support plans in both pull‑out and inclusive settings.
• Maintain data regarding student progress on educational objectives and share this information with the supervising teacher as needed.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and community members as directed by the supervising teacher.
• Other functions as determined by supervisor.

Completion of a high school diploma required. A bachelor’s degree and prior successful experience working with students is highly preferred.

• Ability to work under the supervision of the teacher and communicate effectively if a question or problem arises.
• Ability to form and maintain positive relationships with children who may present with challenging behavior and/or significant learning needs.
• Strong organizational abilities to manage supporting multiple students in a variety of settings throughout the day.
• Excellent communication skills with multiple communities (students, staff, and parents).

• Demonstrates caring and concern for all students.
• Communicates clearly and asks for assistance when needed.
• Able to problem‑solve challenging situations with support from teacher and other staff.
• Maintains a professional demeanor in all aspects of communication and work with others.

Work takes place in a fast‑paced school environment including offices, auditorium, gym, lunchroom, and recess/hallways.

• Requires sufficient vision to read printed documents and view detail on a computer screen.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and reaching as well as carrying and occasionally lifting up to 30 lbs.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Westwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. The Westwood Public Schools prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation and is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

• At least 2 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• HR Department
• 220 Nahatan Street
• Westwood, Massachusetts 02090
• Phone:
• Email: info.ma.us

Instructional Support >
Paraprofessional / IA

Special Education >
General Special Education

Position Type: Full‑Time

Salary: $21.91 to $24.66 Per Hour