The Instructional Assistant / Special Education Instructional Assistant position at the Petersburg School District is a classified role dedicated to supporting student learning and maintaining a safe educational environment. Under the direct guidance of special education and regular classroom teachers, the assistant provides daily academic and behavioral assistance to students, helps implement individualized plans, and ensures overall building support through active student supervision.

The district will fill several positions, part and full time. 

Please include a resume and cover letter when applying. 

Benefits include: School day schedule, paid time off, PERS retirement system, access to a lower-cost health care plan.  

Full Job Description:

PETERSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT/ 

SPECIAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT

REPORTS TO: Building Principal or Special Education Director or Teacher

DATE of DESCRIPTION: May 13, 2025

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Classified

HOURS: As assigned

NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB:

To implement on a daily basis, assistance for students under the direction of the special education teacher and the regular classroom teacher. To provide overall building support and supervision of students as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Demonstrate consistent punctuality and regular attendance.

2. Demonstrate and follow all safety precautions.

3. Adhere to local, state, federal and other regulatory agencies, standards, codes and laws.

4. Adhere to established district and school policies and procedures.

5. Represent Petersburg School District by working in a cooperative, professional manner with all district employees, all students, and the community.

6. Ability to follow directions, accept constructive feedback and demonstrate change.

7. Utilize professional communication within and outside the building(s), including responsible communication channels in the workplace and respectful interactions with supervisors. Be aware of your volume, tone, body language, content and brevity.

8. Assist students and follow lessons in all academic areas as directed/prepared by the classroom teacher or special education teacher in individual, cooperative, small and large group settings.

9. Assist in implementing and collecting academic data for students in the special education program. 

10. Effectively communicate with special education teacher(s) regarding academic student progress when requested. Direct communication with parents should only occur as an approved part of the student’s plan.

11. Maintain confidentiality of all information concerning students, staff, parents or guardians.

12. Facilitate the supervision and classroom management of  students as directed by the classroom teacher or the special education teacher.

13. May require assisting students in crisis/emergency situations. Demonstrate ability to regulate self, assess the situation, and identify and respond appropriately to the student’s level in the crisis cycle.

14. Maintain professional communication in the workplace, to include volume, tone, body language, content and brevity.

15. Is actively implementing district discipline models, such as 123 Magic, Love and Logic, MANDT, PBIS, and other implemented programs.

16. May require assisting in personal care, such as toileting and G-tube feeding.

17. May require assisting a student who is medically fragile.

18. May require assisting in transporting special needs students to/from school using the bussing system.

19. May require accompanying students into the pool and assisting with swimming lessons; assisting in the shower room with changing and showering before and after swim lessons.

20. Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Mental Abilities

1. Knowledge of child growth and development

2. Knowledge of the teaching-learning process.

3. Knowledge of lesson implementation and presentation

4. Knowledge of classroom management techniques

5. Demonstrated positive speech skills (enunciation and clarity)

6. Ability to think clearly and calculate accurately

7. Ability to work with people of various personality types (Flexibility)

8. Possess and demonstrate sound emotional judgment

9. Ability to follow and successfully complete written and oral directions

EDUCATION, LICENSE, CERTIFICATION OF FORMAL TRAINING:

1. AA degree, two years of college/48 semester hours, or ability to pass the Parapro Assessment, as required by ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act).

2. Pass State of Alaska background check required for new hires.

EQUIPMENT USED (Not while students are present):

Chromebook 

Copier

Fax Machine

Paper Cutter

Audio/Visual Equipment (DVD player, television, etc.)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Finger strength required to type effectively on a computer keyboard

2. Finger, hand and arm strength necessary to write on paper, whiteboard, etc. throughout the workday.

3. Visual acuity and stamina to work at a computer monitor

4. Lower body strength to kneel, stand, and walk throughout the workday.

5. Upper body strength to lift up to 50 pounds and carry for more than 50 feet.

6. Verbal stamina to articulate clearly and with appropriate volume throughout the workday.

7. Auditory discrimination sufficient to receive detailed information through normal speech at 5 feet and warning cries or alarms above normal classroom and playground noise.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

1. Regular exposure to weather extremes.

2. Occasional exposure to loud noises.

3. Possible time in pool and/or gym, including walking to and from swim/gym.

-EMPLOYEES ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION-