📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Extended Content Support
🔹 Company: Wake County Public School System
🔹 Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Education
🔹 Date Posted: July 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting special education students and their Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Monitoring programs and maintaining confidentiality
- Collaborating with teachers and other staff members
- Ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of patience, empathy, and adaptability to work effectively with students with diverse needs and backgrounds.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Providing support and assistance to teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students
✅ Assisting with strategies related to the implementation of students’ behavioral intervention plans
✅ Aiding teachers with planning and organizing, evaluating instructional activities, and preparing necessary materials
✅ Maintaining a positive disposition, exercising good judgment, and remaining calm when dealing with students
✅ Assisting with implementation of low and high tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices
✅ Compiling, maintaining, and filing reports, records, and other required documents, maintaining confidentiality
✅ Participating in the district staff development program and continued professional growth in the area of assignment
✅ Coordinating, assisting, and facilitating student transitions between classes
✅ Performing other related duties, as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role may require working with students with various exceptionalities, behavioral needs, and learning styles, requiring constant adaptation and flexibility.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or GED and working toward an Associate’s degree in birth-through-kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or an early childhood education related field, or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
Experience: Experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs
Required Skills:
- Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods
- Working knowledge of general classroom activities and routines
- Ability to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information
- Ability to work in a team environment and effectively collaborate with others
- Ability to motivate students
- Ability to constantly monitor and supervise the safety and well-being of students
- Ability to recognize and support students with a variety of backgrounds, abilities, exceptionalities, behavioral needs, and learning styles
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public
Preferred Skills:
- First Aid and CPR certifications
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience or coursework in special education or working with individuals with disabilities would be highly beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this position is not provided. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Aides in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $28,080. However, this can vary based on experience, education, and specific district policies.
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday during school hours, with additional time required for meetings, planning, and professional development
ASSUMPTION: Salary and benefits information is based on industry standards and may vary depending on the specific district and individual qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Education Administration Programs
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: Not specified
Company Description:
- Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is the largest school district in North Carolina, serving over 160,000 students
- WCPSS is committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment that meets the diverse needs of all students
- The district offers a range of programs and services to support students with disabilities and special needs
Company Specialties:
- Lifelong Learning
- Continuing Education
- Track-out Activities
- Directory
- Summer Camps
- and adult education
Company Website: http://www.wcpss.net/
ASSUMPTION: Wake County Public School System is a large and diverse organization with a strong commitment to supporting students with special needs.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the classroom teacher and may work closely with special education teachers, administrators, and other support staff
Work Arrangement: On-site, with a typical work schedule Monday through Friday during school hours
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to higher-level instructional or teaching positions
- Specialization in specific areas of special education
- Leadership roles within the school or district
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the school system and the field of special education.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: School classroom and office environment
Office Location(s): 4520 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
Geographic Context:
- Raleigh is the capital and second-largest city in North Carolina
- The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average
- Raleigh is home to a diverse population and a range of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday during school hours, with additional time required for meetings, planning, and professional development
ASSUMPTION: The work environment for this role is dynamic and may involve working with students with diverse needs and backgrounds, requiring constant adaptation and flexibility.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or other school staff
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Knowledge of special education and working with students with disabilities
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
Application Tips:
- Highlight any relevant experience working with individuals with special needs or in an educational setting
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your skills and qualifications for this specific role
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of special education and your ability to support students with diverse needs
ATS Keywords: Special education, instructional assistant, extended content support, IEP, classroom support, behavioral intervention, student transitions, record keeping, professional development, health care assistance, mobility assistance
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may be competitive, and applicants should highlight their relevant experience and qualifications to increase their chances of success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Assistive technology and augmentative communication devices
- Classroom management software
- Office productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., email, instant messaging, video conferencing)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used in this role may vary depending on the school and classroom needs.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Student-centered
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
- Committed to excellence
Work Style:
- Team-oriented
- Adaptable
- Patient
- Committed to student success
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I have a strong commitment to supporting students with diverse needs and backgrounds?
- Am I able to work effectively in a team and collaborate with others?
- Do I have strong communication and interpersonal skills?
- Am I adaptable and able to maintain a positive disposition in challenging situations?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their fit with the company's values and work style when applying for this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working with students with diverse needs and backgrounds may present unique challenges that require constant adaptation and flexibility
- The workload may be demanding, with a need to balance multiple responsibilities and priorities
- Maintaining confidentiality may be challenging, given the sensitive nature of the work
- The work environment may be fast-paced and dynamic, requiring strong organizational skills and time management
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to face these potential challenges and have strategies in place to manage them effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Extended Content Support vs. Instructional Assistant - General Education
- Special Education Instructional Assistant works primarily with students with disabilities and special needs, while General Education Instructional Assistant works with students in a general education classroom
- Special Education Instructional Assistant may have additional responsibilities related to implementing behavioral intervention plans and supporting students' transitions between classes
- Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Extended Content Support vs. Special Education Teacher
- Instructional Assistant supports the work of the special education teacher, while the teacher has primary responsibility for planning, delivering, and assessing instruction
- Instructional Assistant may have additional responsibilities related to implementing behavioral intervention plans and supporting students' transitions between classes
- Career Path: Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Extended Content Support to Special Education Teacher to Special Education Administrator or Special Education Consultant
- Instructional Assistant role provides valuable experience and insight into the field of special education, which can be built upon to pursue a career as a special education teacher or administrator
- Special Education Teacher role offers opportunities for professional growth and development, with the potential to advance to leadership roles within the school or district
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to related positions in the field of special education.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a behavioral intervention plan for a student with autism
- Facilitating a student transition between classes, ensuring a smooth and seamless process
- Assisting with the implementation of assistive technology and augmentative communication devices to support a student with a communication disorder
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and skills required for this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What specific training and support will be provided to help me succeed in this role?
- How does this school support the professional growth and development of its instructional assistants?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to face them?
- How does this school ensure that its instructional assistants are effectively collaborating with teachers and other support staff?
- What opportunities are available for advancement within the school or district for someone in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions can help applicants better understand the role, the work environment, and the opportunities for professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications for this specific role
- Prepare for your interview by researching the company, the role, and the industry, and by practicing common interview questions and your responses
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the position and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
