Instructional Assistant Jobs in Minnesota
Instructional assistant jobs in Minnesota are concentrated in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro, Rochester, and Duluth, where school districts, higher education institutions, and specialized learning centers drive steady demand across special education, English language learner support, and early childhood programs. Large employers with lasting hiring activity include Minneapolis Public Schools, Saint Paul Public Schools, and the University of Minnesota system. Openings range from entry-level paraprofessional roles to experienced positions supporting students with complex needs. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Instructional Assistant jobs
Qualifications/Experience:
High School Diploma/GED required.
Previous experience working with children or adolescents, preferably in an educational, youth program, or behavioral support setting.
Experience working with students exhibiting behavioral, emotional, or social challenges preferred.
Familiarity with restorative practices, trauma-informed approaches, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) preferred.
Experience with student information systems, such as Skyward or similar school software, preferred.
A successful background check is required.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Needed:
Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with students of varying academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Knowledge of behavior management, conflict resolution, positive behavioral interventions, and de-escalation strategies. Ability to remain calm, patient, empathetic, and professional in challenging situations while maintaining clear expectations and appropriate boundaries. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to maintain a structured, supportive learning environment, assist students with academic work, and promote positive decision-making and self-regulation. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, follow direction, and collaborate effectively with school staff. Ability to maintain accurate documentation, utilize student information systems, and protect confidential student information. Demonstrates flexibility, dependability, initiative, and a commitment to student success.
Exemplifies the following Five Character Traits: compassion, respect, responsibility, self-discipline, and honesty.
Specific Tasks:
Manage and supervise the Ready to Learn Room, providing a safe, structured, and supportive environment for students experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges. Implement positive behavioral interventions, restorative practices, and de-escalation strategies to help students process incidents, develop coping and problem-solving skills, and successfully transition back to the classroom. Establish and reinforce clear behavioral expectations while promoting accountability and positive decision-making. Supervise students assigned to In-School Suspension (ISS), maintaining a productive learning environment and coordinating with teachers to obtain assignments, monitor progress, and provide academic assistance. Collaborate with teachers, counselors, social workers, administrators, and other support staff to address student needs and behavioral concerns. Maintain accurate documentation of student visits, incidents, interventions, and follow-up actions using district-approved systems while ensuring confidentiality. Provide additional instructional support in general education and special education settings as directed. Perform other duties as assigned. See the job description for additional information.
Hours Per Day:
7.5 hours/day, approx. 8:00-4:00
As per contract
Benefit-eligible position: health, dental, and optical insurance, supplemental insurance available, long-term disability coverage, district-paid life insurance policy, retirement plan, sick days, vacation days, holidays, and more!
Qualifications/Experience:
High School Diploma/GED required.
Previous experience working with children or adolescents, preferably in an educational, youth program, or behavioral support setting.
Experience working with students exhibiting behavioral, emotional, or social challenges preferred.
Familiarity with restorative practices, trauma-informed approaches, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) preferred.
Experience with student information systems, such as Skyward or similar school software, preferred.
A successful background check is required.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Needed:
Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with students of varying academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Knowledge of behavior management, conflict resolution, positive behavioral interventions, and de-escalation strategies. Ability to remain calm, patient, empathetic, and professional in challenging situations while maintaining clear expectations and appropriate boundaries. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to maintain a structured, supportive learning environment, assist students with academic work, and promote positive decision-making and self-regulation. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, follow direction, and collaborate effectively with school staff. Ability to maintain accurate documentation, utilize student information systems, and protect confidential student information. Demonstrates flexibility, dependability, initiative, and a commitment to student success.
Exemplifies the following Five Character Traits: compassion, respect, responsibility, self-discipline, and honesty.
Specific Tasks:
Manage and supervise the Ready to Learn Room, providing a safe, structured, and supportive environment for students experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges. Implement positive behavioral interventions, restorative practices, and de-escalation strategies to help students process incidents, develop coping and problem-solving skills, and successfully transition back to the classroom. Establish and reinforce clear behavioral expectations while promoting accountability and positive decision-making. Supervise students assigned to In-School Suspension (ISS), maintaining a productive learning environment and coordinating with teachers to obtain assignments, monitor progress, and provide academic assistance. Collaborate with teachers, counselors, social workers, administrators, and other support staff to address student needs and behavioral concerns. Maintain accurate documentation of student visits, incidents, interventions, and follow-up actions using district-approved systems while ensuring confidentiality. Provide additional instructional support in general education and special education settings as directed. Perform other duties as assigned. See the job description for additional information.
Hours Per Day:
7.5 hours/day, approx. 8:00-4:00
As per contract
Benefit-eligible position: health, dental, and optical insurance, supplemental insurance available, long-term disability coverage, district-paid life insurance policy, retirement plan, sick days, vacation days, holidays, and more!
See All 8 Instructional Assistant Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Instructional Assistant JobsInstructional Assistant Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Instructional Assistant Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in instructional assistant jobs across Minnesota.
- Minnesota Paraprofessional licensure or eligibility through the PELSB required for many district roles
- Associate degree or 60 college credits as required under ESSA federal paraprofessional standards
- Experience working with students with disabilities or individualized education program familiarity
- Proficiency supporting English language learners in a classroom or resource room setting
- Ability to pass a Minnesota background study through the Department of Human Services
- Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with licensed teachers and support staff
Instructional Assistant Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a instructional assistant in Minnesota?
To become an instructional assistant in Minnesota, you typically need to meet state paraprofessional licensure requirements set by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, known as PELSB. Most public school positions require an associate degree or at least 60 semester credits, along with a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment. Private schools and early childhood programs may have different requirements, but completing a PELSB-approved preparation program or earning a Child Development Associate credential strengthens most applications.
Which companies hire instructional assistants in Minnesota?
Minnesota instructional assistant roles are posted by Cambridge-Isanti Schools, Edina Public Schools, and Osseo Area Schools - ISD 279 and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Beyond large public school districts, Minnesota's robust network of charter schools, special education cooperatives, and higher education institutions creates consistent openings throughout the state.
Which Minnesota cities have the most instructional assistant jobs?
Edina, Isanti, and Cambridge have the most instructional assistant openings in Minnesota. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro dominates because of the region's large and diverse public school districts, community colleges, and university campuses, while secondary cities like Rochester and Duluth see steady demand tied to their own district growth and the presence of anchor institutions such as Mayo Clinic's education programs and the University of Minnesota Duluth.
How can I get hired as a instructional assistant in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to Minnesota public school districts as a substitute paraprofessional, which many districts including Minneapolis Public Schools and Anoka-Hennepin School District use as a pipeline into permanent roles. Candidates can also move laterally from positions such as childcare worker, youth program coordinator, or direct support professional. Completing even a few college credits and earning a Child Development Associate credential gives candidates a measurable edge when competing for full-time openings with no classroom experience.
Where can I find and apply to instructional assistant jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to instructional assistant jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that fit your experience level and location, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 8 Instructional Assistant Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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