2026-27 Instructional Assistant, RDSPD

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assist the teacher in the preparation and management of classroom activities and administrative requirements; work under the supervision of an RDSPD certified teacher.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

High School Diploma or equivalent, required

Associate degree or a minimum of 48 college hours, required

Paraprofessional Certification, preferred (required upon employment)

Sign Language skills or Signing Exact English (intermediate or higher), required

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Able to communicate effectively in sign Language; ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately; ability and sensitivity in working with children; knowledge of general office equipment, technology

Experience:

Experience in working with children, preferred

Experience in working with individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, preferred

Days:187

Hourly Pay Range:

Minimum: $15.30

Maximum: $21.34

Note: Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined indvidually based on each person''s job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in supervising students throughout the school day, both inside and outside the classroom.
• Work with individual students or small groups to conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
• Assist with behavior management, toileting and/or medical needs of students when necessary.
• Monitor students to and from buses, in cafeteria, in inclusion classrooms and to and from activities.
• Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and with inventory, care and maintenance of equipment.
• Keep the teacher informed of any special needs or problems of individual students.
• Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of fully licensed teacher.
• Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations and state and local board policy.
• Participate in in-service training programs, as assigned.
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality.
• Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
• Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, copiers, multimedia equipment, and other office or classroom machines

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Occasional supervision of students outside the building; exposure to varied weather conditions; occasional lifting and/or moving up to 45 pounds and over; ability to provide for sanitation needs and student hygiene required; assist in the restraining of students in crisis situations.