Ballard Elementary School

Instructional Assistant – Learning Lab Aide

2026 – 2027 School Year

Starting Pay Rate: $16.65 per hour

28.75 hours per week

Niles Community Schools is looking for a dynamic Learning Lab Aide. Highly-effective communication skills and professionalism required for daily interaction with a diverse workforce, student population, building administration and community.

Instructional Assistants must meet one of the following standards to be considered highly qualified in the State of Michigan:

Completed two years of college (60 hours) OR
Obtained an Associate's Degree or higher OR
Meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through passage of an approved formal state academic assessment in the following areas:
- Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or
- Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.

Current State Board of Education Approved Assessments:

College Board’s SAT – Score at least a 480 on evidence-based reading and writing and a 530 on math
ETS Parapro Assessment - A passing score of 460 is required

Performance Responsibilities:

Classroom management skills
Supervise learning lab for students un coursework to improve literacy and math
Experience working positively with elementary students
Knowledge of Michigan’s Educational Technology Standards (preferred)
Provide individual, small group, and large group student instruction within the context of the classroom
Assist teachers and Behavior Specialist in behavior management, maintaining discipline and other non-instructional functions, as needed
Assist with the organization and preparation of classroom materials and behavior plans
Administrator and maintain behavior plans and other student records as outlined
Manage and instruct students on appropriate behavior using positive behavior support strategies consistent with Board policy and procedures

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally be able to lift or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must be able to maintain composure and function effectively in a noisy, fast-moving environment and assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of students in that environment. The employee engages in physical management with students in order to maintain a safe environment for students and others.

Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes") in its educational programs or activities. The Niles Community Schools Board of Education complies with all federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, or national origin) or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (gender) may be directed to the Director of Special Education, 269.683.0757; compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability) may be directed to the Director of Personnel, compliance.officer@nilesschools.org or 269.683.6662; all at 1 Tyler Street, Niles, MI 49120.