The Instructional Assistant supports lead teachers by providing specialized instruction to students with special education needs in whole, small group, and one-on-one settings. They are also responsible for implementing behavioral strategies, maintaining classroom culture, and assisting with daily student activities.
High School Instructional Assistant Job Summary The Instructional Assistant supports in classrooms alongside the Lead Teacher, educating students with special education needs. Instructional Assistants support the classroom teacher in providing specialized instruction to students by implementing small group and one-on-one instructional supports under the direction of the lead teacher to make learning accessible.
About KIPP DC For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.
Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike.
As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community
About the Team High School includes two schools in Washington, DC, serving grades 9-12. Our teachers, leaders, and student support teams work together to provide instruction that is rigorous, culturally responsive, and grounded in strong relationships with students and families. We believe classrooms should be academically challenging, joyful, and identity-affirming, and we support staff through coaching, collaborative planning structures, and dedicated development time.
As an Instructional Assistant, you will: Support teachers in ensuring safe environments and instructional opportunities that meet the needs of diverse learners. Using lesson plans, provide specialized whole group, small group, and one-on-one instruction to students with special education needs. Tailor lessons to an individual student's needs or assist students with especially challenging assignments. Implement behavioral and academic strategies outlined in a child’s IEP. Deescalate student behaviors using a variety of strategies. Establish positive relationships with colleagues, students, families and the community which reflect recognition of and respect for every individual. Location and Type of Work Fully In-Person (5 days per week onsite) This is an in-person, school-based instructional role located at a KIPP DC campus in Washington, DC. KIPP DC schools serve students and families in person, and this position requires daily on-site presence to deliver instruction, provide student support, collaborate with teammates, and engage with families. Instructional Assistants support classroom instruction during the student day (generally 8:00 am to 3:30 pm). Instructional Assistant work hours are typically 7:30 am to 5:00 pm two days per week, and 7:30 am to 4:00 pm three days per week, to allow for duties, collaboration, and professional development.
Key Responsibilities Build Strong Relationships and Classroom Culture (approx.
30 percent) Demonstrate commitment to KIPP DC’s mission, with a focus on excellence, equity, and antiracist practice.
Build trusting, affirming relationships with students, families, and teammates.
Support the lead teacher in implementing strategies for classroom culture and positive behavior incentives.
De-escalate student behaviors using a variety of strategies.
Instructional Support (approx.
40 percent) Using lesson plans, provide specialized whole group, small group, and one-on-one instruction to students with special education needs.
Under teacher direction, provide individualized behavior and academic supports to improve a child's achievement of individual academic and behavioral goals in support of that child’s IEP goals.
Regularly observe students and take anecdotal notes to inform planning in the arrangement of small groups, classroom setup, integrations of students’ interests in learning activities, and subsequent assessments.
Attend Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings with the student support team and teachers as needed Professional Collaboration, Development, and Feedback (approx.
20 percent) Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and weekly planning/feedback meetings.
Implement coaching and feedback from school leaders, coaches, and lead teachers/grade-level chairs.
Demonstrate flexibility at all times.
Instructional Assistants are attached to the IEP needs, and it should be expected that responsibilities will change as school needs change.
Schoolwide Duties & Operational Expectations (approx.
10 percent) Assist children with personal hygiene, toileting, meals, and other daily activities when applicable.
Fulfill the standards of professionalism, including appropriate dress, attendance, and timeliness.
Perform duties (arrival, lunch, transitions, dismissal) as assigned.
Support school events such as family-teacher conferences, open houses, field trips, and community events.
The percentages for each key responsibility are estimates, and other duties may be assigned.
Flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged to accommodate organizational needs.
Required Qualifications High school diploma or General Education Development Certificate (GED) Commitment to working with students from communities with limited access to high-quality educational opportunities Demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to assist reading, writing, and mathematics instruction Strong communication skills with families and caregivers, including culturally responsive partnership Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to new tasks
Bachelors Degree Experience as an Aide, Assistant, or Paraprofessional working with students with special education needs Experience in an urban K–12 public school setting Physical Requirements Must be able to remain in a classroom environment for extended periods to support assigned student(s) Must be able to monitor students throughout the school building, including transitions, lunch, and recess. Core Competencies:
Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.
Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information. Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application or fail to receive a confirmation email after applying, kindly reach out to Danica Cunningham at danica.cunningham@kippdc.org. Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED and demonstrate a commitment to working with students from diverse communities. Preferred qualifications include a bachelor's degree and prior experience working as an aide or paraprofessional in an urban K-12 setting.
Market context
In the District of Columbia, teaching assistant roles are often shaped by steady demand in K-12 settings and by staffing needs tied to classroom support, student supervision, and early learning programs. These positions can be competitive because employers may look for a CDA, an associate degree, or a high school diploma with specific credits or certifications, along with the ability to lift 40 pounds and work outdoors in varied weather. On this platform, the job requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving you research time; review the credential details and prepare to show how your experience fits the physical demands before applying.
