Instructional Assistant Jobs in Virginia
Instructional Assistant jobs in Virginia are concentrated in the Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads metro areas, where large school divisions such as Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and Prince William County Public Schools consistently hire at every level from entry-level paraprofessionals to senior special education aides. Demand is especially strong for candidates with experience supporting students with disabilities, English language learners, and early childhood programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Title: Kindergarten Instructional Assistant
Location: Trailblazer Elementary School
Reports to: Principal
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Summary:
An Instructional Assistant is responsible for clerical, instructional, and human support in assisting the classroom teacher in the management and instruction of students. The instructional assistant performs related tasks as required and directed and is under the supervision of the classroom teacher. The instructional assistant may independently perform some aspects of the instructional program and share results and data with the teacher.
Essential Functions:
- Follow and conduct the instructional plans as designated by the classroom teacher and, if appropriate, the Individual Education Plan (IEP)
- Assist students individually and in groups to present or reinforce learning concepts
- Administer tests, homework assignments, and make-up work as directed by the teacher
- Develop and maintain a pleasant and orderly classroom environment (e.g., maintain instructional materials, design bulletin boards, assist special education teacher and/or students in clean-up activities, etc)
- Assist the teacher in maintaining an appropriate level of classroom behavior and control
- Assign appropriate discipline to students if directed by the teacher
- Assist the teacher in related instructional activities (e.g., field trips, library, assembly, etc.) to identify needed support, reinforcement of behavior, and social skills, to create a safe and positive learning environment
- Assist in the physical movement of students from one learning environment to another
- Perform such duties as attendance recording and collection of lunch monies as directed by the teacher
- Perform such clerical duties as typing, filing, and duplicating at the direction of the teacher
- Supervise students in the cafeteria or during lunch period
- Supervise students during free time and other non-instructional periods as directed by the teacher
- Assist in the maintenance of students’ records if directed by the teacher
- Participate in team meetings
- Assist with toileting, feeding, and positioning of students
- Assist with health-related duties as directed by the teacher and trained to effectively complete the duties
- Assist with carry-over of related services
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
Understand and assist with basic language arts and math skills; excellent written and oral communication; skills to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills to meet changing job conditions; operate standard office equipment, prepare and maintain accurate records; knowledge of school policies and procedures; understanding of effective discipline procedures; ability to follow directions from the classroom teacher; knowledge of age/ability appropriate activities; concepts of grammar and punctuation; safety practices and procedures; develop effective working relationships with students, parents, and staff; flexibility to be able to change processes quickly based on current situations; ability to communicate with diverse groups; problem-solving is needed to identify issues and help develop action plans; maintain confidentiality; ability to work as part of a team
Education and/or Experience:
An instructional assistant must have completed at least 60 hours of college credit or earned an associate’s or higher degree or successfully passed the ParaPro Assessment.
Physical Conditions and Nature of Work:
Duties performed typically in school settings include: classroom, gym, cafeteria, auditorium, and recreational areas. Occasional travel with students on field trips may be necessary. The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting of equipment up to 40 pounds, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; significant fine motor dexterity. Generally, the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing. Occasional attendance at parent conferences, building-level and division-wide meetings, and training activities beyond the normal assigned hours is necessary. Daily personal close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. Regular contact with other staff members, parents, and medical professionals may be required.
Evaluation:
The Instructional Assistant is evaluated by the classroom teacher and administration.
Contract Length:
189 Days
See All 41 Instructional Assistant Jobs in Virginia
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Find Instructional Assistant JobsInstructional Assistant Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Instructional Assistant Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
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What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in instructional assistant jobs across Virginia.
- High school diploma or GED required by Virginia school divisions for all paraprofessional roles
- 48 college credit hours or associate degree required for Title I school instructional assistants
- Experience supporting students with IEPs or special education needs strongly preferred
- Demonstrated ability to work with English language learners and diverse student populations
- Passing scores on a Virginia-approved paraprofessional assessment such as the ParaPro
- Current CPR and first aid certification required by many Virginia school divisions
Instructional Assistant Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a instructional assistant in Virginia?
To become an instructional assistant in Virginia, you need at minimum a high school diploma, though most school divisions require at least 48 college credit hours or an associate degree for Title I positions. Virginia does not issue a single statewide license for paraprofessionals, but many divisions require passing a paraprofessional assessment such as the ParaPro. Applicants are hired directly through individual Virginia school divisions, which post openings through their human resources departments.
Which companies hire instructional assistants in Virginia?
Virginia instructional assistant roles are posted by Lynchburg City Schools, Charlottesville City Schools, and Manassas City Public Schools and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's largest school divisions, concentrated in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, account for the majority of ongoing openings statewide.
Which Virginia cities have the most instructional assistant jobs?
Lynchburg, Manassas, and Charlottesville have the most instructional assistant openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's concentration of large, well-funded school divisions drives the highest volume, while Richmond and Virginia Beach generate consistent demand as major independent cities with their own substantial public school systems and growing student populations.
How can I get hired as a instructional assistant in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to a Virginia school division as a substitute paraprofessional or classroom aide, which requires only a diploma and no prior classroom experience. Fairfax County, Virginia Beach City, and Henrico County public schools all run new-hire orientation pipelines that place candidates in classrooms quickly. Completing a few early childhood education courses at a Virginia community college and obtaining CPR certification will give your application a clear edge over other entry-level candidates.
Where can I find and apply to instructional assistant jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to instructional assistant jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across school divisions and education organizations throughout the state. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 41 Instructional Assistant Jobs in Virginia
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