Wake County Public School System·Raleigh, North Carolina
The Instructional Assistant supports classroom teachers by implementing instructional activities, reinforcing skills, and assisting with administrative tasks. They work directly with students to provide academic and behavioral interventions while ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
Overview POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT WORKING TITLE Instructional Assistant (IA) SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT Elementary, Middle, or High School LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Noncertified Grade 20 FLSA STATUS Nonexempt ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT No WORK WEEK SCHEDULE Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends/Workday must not exceed more than 40 hours per week and begins at least 30 minutes prior to the instructional day for students.) POSITION PURPOSE: Performs instructional support work assisting classroom teachers in classroom activities as well as general administrative support tasks. Implements goals and objectives established by licensed teachers and works directly with students. Assists in the instruction of individual students or groups of students in all curricular areas as directed by teachers or administrators. Plans and collaborates with teachers in devising special strategies for reinforcing skills and concepts based on the understanding of individual students.
(See Education and Training for requirements for TITLE I schools) KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs) Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point; Google Apps; Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods; Working knowledge of the core subjects at the grade level to which employment assignment is made; Ability to recognize and support students of diverse backgrounds, learning abilities, and learning styles; Ability to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and other applicable federal and state laws, policies, and regulations; Ability to work in a team environment and effectively collaborate with others; Ability to motivate students; Ability to constantly supervise the safety and well-being of students; Ability to work with a diverse student population and recognize variations in student backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles; Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback; Ability to implement academic and behavioral interventions, as needed; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public. EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE ALL SCHOOLS High school diploma or GED. EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE IF TITLE I SCHOOL Meet the employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Pub.L.114-95, AND have one of the following: Six documented semester hours of coursework in childhood education, OR Two years of work experience in a childhood setting. CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Dependent upon the need of the school and the student population, hold and maintain a Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification (Principal will determine if the position requires; CPI training will be provided through WCPSS).
CPR and First Aid certification. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides assistance with activities and duties that implement the total school program, assists teachers in instructional activities, and assists teachers in ensuring an encouraging, caring, safe and healthy environment for all students. Aids teachers with planning and organizing, evaluating instructional activities, developing classroom procedures, and preparing necessary materials; ensures materials for students are readily available according to the needs of the lesson plan. Demonstrates professional and technical skills necessary to function effectively in the classroom and to support the school program. Works with an individual student and/or specific groups of students in a different classroom and/or area of the school, as needed. Participates in the district staff development program and continued professional growth in the area of assignment. Maintains a positive disposition, exercises good judgement, and remains calm when dealing with students at all times. May perform vision and hearing screenings; enters results into the Electronic Access Student Information System (EASi, student’s electronic records system.) Initial training and recertification will be provided through WCPSS, if needed. Performs other related duties, as assigned. WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This job operates in a classroom environment and requires sitting and standing throughout the day. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. School can contact the school’s Physical Therapist for assistance, if needed, with proper lifting techniques. EFFECTIVE DATE: 3/2025 DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED, with additional coursework or experience required for Title I schools. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Apps is necessary, along with the ability to collaborate effectively and maintain student confidentiality.
Market context
Teaching assistant roles in North Carolina are often tied to steady school staffing needs, especially in classrooms that need extra instructional and behavioral support. These positions can be competitive because districts commonly look for candidates who meet ESSA-related qualifications, have early childhood coursework or experience, and can maintain CPI training for student safety. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform against the original job description, then confirm your transcript, experience, and CPI status before applying.