Great Hearts Academies·Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The Instructional Assistant supports students in both general and special education classrooms by assisting with assignments, behavior management, and personal care needs. They work under the direction of certified teachers to provide a supportive learning environment and ensure student safety.
Great Hearts Harveston Upper School (11801 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810) The Instructional Assistant is a non-certified assistant to the Special Education Program at the academy for both general education and special education resource classrooms. The assistant will work to support students in all settings on campus under the direction of and in collaboration with the certified Special Education teachers and General Education teachers. Additional duties may be included, depending on the experience and expertise of the candidate and the specific academy needs. Distinctive benefits for Great Hearts faculty Exceptional Benefits (medical, dental, vision etc.) with minimal employee cost Matching 401K program Uniquely valuable professional development offerings, from great books seminars with academy colleagues, to leadership and special education coursework/pathways, to reduced tuition graduate degree support with select partner universities Academic, Behavior, and Additional
Supports students in small groups or 1:1 Assist students with assignments, homework, projects Understanding how to adapt materials and provide modifications to help students learn the material Help students understand the classroom rules and reinforce the classroom rules Monitor student behavior to ensure safety and appropriate interactions. Implement behavior management strategies Assist students with developing social skills, appropriate interactions, and positive behaviors Assist with de-escalating student behaviors and ask for support for General Education Teacher and Special Education Team Members as needed Reinforces SDI concepts that have already been in effect Help students with transitions and activities. Support students with personal hygiene needs such as toileting, feeding, and dressing Support students with mobility and adaptive equipment Provides general clerical support for the ESS Team Additional Duties Attend meetings and training sessions Help maintain a clean and organized work area Provide a supportive and positive learning environment Required/Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills: High school degree required. Ideally, candidates will hold an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Strong candidates will have experience in K-12 Special Education Excellent oral and written communication skills, and an interest in reading great books. Educational Aide certification I, II, or III preferred. Physical Functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately. US work authorization is required, but we do accept OPT/CPT candidates. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements. Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
A high school degree is required, with an associate's degree or higher preferred. Candidates should have experience in K-12 special education and possess strong communication skills.
Market context
In Louisiana, teaching assistant roles often draw steady interest because schools and early childhood programs value candidates who can support classroom routines and child development. Competition is usually strongest for applicants with a CDA, early childhood coursework, or prior Head Start or preschool experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your credential status and highlight any hands-on classroom experience in your application.