Special Education Instructional Assistant

20206-27 Special Education Instructional Assistant Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School & Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School - Sturbridge, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps Job Details Job ID: 5874515 Application Deadline: Posted until filled Posted: Aug 06, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC) Starting Date: Aug 17, 2026 Job Description Special Education Instructional Assistant Old Sturbridge Academy | Sturbridge, MA | Full-Time Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School is seeking a patient, skilled, and student-centered Special Education Instructional Assistant to support students with disabilities. Depending on student need, this role may involve working as a dedicated 1:1 paraprofessional, providing push-in support in general education classrooms, or supporting instruction in our self-contained special education setting - always under the direction and supervision of our special education teacher. We are looking for someone who brings genuine commitment to inclusive education, the ability to build trusting relationships with students who have complex needs, and the flexibility to show up differently every day based on what students require. Candidates who reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of our community are strongly encouraged to apply. Who We Are Old Sturbridge Academy (OSA) is a charter public school and part of the Old Sturbridge Inc. family of organizations, which includes Old Sturbridge Village - one of the most visited living history museums in the country. As an EL (Expeditionary Learning) Education school, we believe in hands-on learning that challenges students to grow in three dimensions: mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality work. Our curriculum is anchored in Learning Expeditions that connect rigorous academics to real-world experiences and our community’s extraordinary resources. What You’ll Do The specific configuration of this role will be determined based on student need and may include one or more of the following settings: 1:1 paraprofessional support, push-in services in general education classrooms, and/or support in the self-contained special education classroom. All work is carried out under the direction and supervision of the special education teacher. Direct Student Support Provide individualized support to students with IEPs across academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and daily living skill areas, as directed by the special education teacher Implement accommodations, modifications, and IEP goal-aligned strategies consistently and with fidelity Support students’ access to Learning Expeditions and grade-level content, helping them participate meaningfully in OSA’s project-based curriculum Assist students in developing independence, self-advocacy, and self-regulation skills - with the goal of reducing reliance on adult support over time Provide 1:1 support to an assigned student as needed, following their individual behavior support plan and IEP goals with consistency and care Push-In and Inclusive Classroom Support Support students with IEPs in general education classrooms, working alongside classroom teachers to ensure meaningful inclusion Implement push-in support strategies as directed by the special education teacher, including scaffolding, prompting, and data collection Help create and maintain an inclusive classroom environment where students with disabilities are full participants in the learning community Communicate observations about student performance and needs to the special education teacher on an ongoing basis Self-Contained Classroom Support Assist the special education teacher in delivering instruction in the self-contained classroom setting Support small group and individual activities, helping students engage with academic content and meet IEP goals Assist with transitions, routines, and classroom management in the self-contained setting Help maintain a structured, predictable, and supportive environment that meets the sensory and emotional needs of students Student Wellbeing and Community Build warm, consistent, and trusting relationships with students that support their sense of safety and belonging Support students during arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and other non-instructional times Respond to behavioral needs using positive, trauma-informed, and restorative approaches consistent with OSA’s school culture and individual student plans Communicate observations about student wellbeing, progress, and concerns promptly to the special education teacher and appropriate school staff Data, Documentation, and Professional Responsibilities Collect and record data on student progress toward IEP goals as directed by the special education teacher Assist with preparation of instructional materials and student learning environments Participate in team meetings, IEP meetings as appropriate, professional development, and school-wide events Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student records, IEP information, and all matters related to students with disabilities Perform other duties as assigned by the special education teacher or school leader What You Bring High school diploma or G.E.D. required; Associate’s degree or coursework in Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred Experience working with students with disabilities in a school, clinical, therapeutic, or community setting Familiarity with IEPs, accommodation and modification implementation, and special education practices Ability to support students across a range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and developmental delays Knowledge of or willingness to learn positive behavior support strategies, trauma-informed care, and restorative approaches Patience, consistency, and the ability to maintain composure in challenging moments Strong communication and collaboration skills — you take direction well, ask good questions, and keep the right people informed Ability to support students with a wide range of learning and behavioral needs, including English Language Learners who also have IEPs Flexibility and a positive, solution-oriented attitude in a dynamic school environment Commitment to inclusive education and to the belief that students with disabilities belong fully in our school community Must successfully pass all required background checks including CORI and fingerprint screening Position Details Job Type: Full-Time Compensation: $18-$28 per hour, based on experience Schedule: Monday 7:30AM–4:00PM; Tuesday–Friday 7:30AM–3:15PM Work Location: In person Benefits 403(b) retirement plan Health, dental, and vision insurance Life insurance Paid time off Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation/gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Position Type: Full-time Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA Job Requirements At least 3 year(s) of relevant experience preferred. Associate degree preferred. Citizenship, residency or work visa required Contact Information Jackie Putnam 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road Sturbridge, Massachusetts 01566 Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr