Harvard Public Schools seeks a dedicated and motivated Learning Assistant to work with students with complex medical and neurological profiles. This role includes support with the academic, functional, life skills and communication needs of students. The role includes physical demands including the ability to lift and support transfers.
Reports to: School Principal or designee
Job Goals:
To provide academic, behavioral, functional and social support throughout the day for students who are receiving services through an Individual Education Program (IEP). To assist the teacher in achieving learning objectives by working with individual students or small groups to assist student learning. To recognize when teaching/learning and behavioral strategies are not successful and seek the guidance of the classroom teacher(s) and specialist(s) to adapt assistance accordingly.
Performance Responsibilities:
Assist teachers with the instructional program as requested. Work with assigned students in the classrooms and throughout the program as directed Works directly in 1:1 situations with students with a variety of needs, as assigned. Accompany students in various classes throughout the day. Escort/accompany students throughout the building and during arrival and departure times. Assist with lifting and transferring students in/out of wheelchairs, standers, and gait trainers. (training on this skill will be provided) Safely assist in feeding assigned students as directed. (training on this skill will be provided) Assist with personal care as needed (training on this skill will be provided) Support students and staff on community trips Facilitate communication using a variety of approaches including but not limited to Assistive and Augmentative Communication devices, signs, and picture exchange (training will be provided) Maintains appropriate boundaries of the position. Refers all parent questions/concerns to liaison/teacher Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of all staff. Assists classroom teachers and specialists in printing, copying, and organizing lesson materials. As directed by the special educators and service providers, observes and records academic, behavioral, and social data to measure progress. Implements and demonstrates indicated academic, social, and/or behavioral strategies and interventions. Assists the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based upon an understanding of individual students. Helps students with equipment or instructional materials assigned by the teacher. Assists with the supervision of students, including during emergency drills, assemblies, specialist periods, and field trips. Assists with large/whole group activities. Takes direction from supervisor and implements feedback for improvement, as needed. Conducts learning exercises with small groups and individual children. Other assignments as determined by the principal or their designee.
Qualifications/Experience:
Preference: completion of two years of college Training in a variety of educational approaches or willingness to learn. The ability to effectively interact effectively with students, staff and community members. The ability to communicate verbally and in writing, handle stressful situations, show initiative and work independently. In accordance with M.G.L. 71, §38R, submit to a Criminal Offender Record Information Check and fingerprinting requirements.
This job description provides a general overview of the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the position of Learning Assistant. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and requirements, but rather a summary of the role.
Work Year: School Year position. Salary and work schedule to be established by the Superintendent.
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated by the principal or their designee.
Start date: November 16, 2026