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Distance Education Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

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Distance Education information

What is the difference between Distance Education vs Online Teaching?

AspectDistance EducationOnline Teaching
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in education or related fieldOften requires teaching certification and subject-specific credentials
Work EnvironmentIncludes various formats like correspondence, video, and online platformsPrimarily conducted via online platforms and virtual classrooms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by universities, colleges, and training institutions for remote learningCommonly employed by schools, universities, and online education providers

Distance Education encompasses a broad range of remote learning methods, including online teaching. Online teaching is a specific form of distance education focused on delivering instruction via internet platforms. While both roles involve remote instruction, online teaching typically requires specific teaching credentials and involves direct interaction with students through virtual classrooms. Understanding these differences helps clarify job expectations and required qualifications in the evolving education industry.

How do distance education professionals typically collaborate with faculty and support staff to ensure successful online learning experiences?

Distance education professionals frequently work closely with faculty to design, implement, and refine online courses. They coordinate with instructional designers to develop engaging course materials, troubleshoot technical challenges with IT support, and provide guidance or training to instructors new to online teaching platforms. Regular communication and collaborative planning are essential to address student feedback, maintain course quality, and implement new educational technologies. This teamwork ensures that both instructors and students have the resources they need for a successful online learning environment.

What is distance education?

Distance education is a method of learning where students do not need to be physically present in a traditional classroom setting. Instead, instruction and coursework are delivered through online platforms, correspondence, or other remote technologies. This approach allows learners to access educational materials and interact with instructors from anywhere, making education more flexible and accessible. Distance education is commonly used by working professionals, those with family commitments, or anyone seeking to study at their own pace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in distance education, and why are they important?

To thrive in Distance Education, you need expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, and educational technology, often supported by a degree in education or instructional design. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas or Moodle, as well as certifications in online teaching, are typically required. Strong communication, time management, and adaptability are essential soft skills for engaging remote learners and managing virtual classrooms. These skills are crucial to effectively deliver content, foster student engagement, and ensure successful learning outcomes in an online environment.
Infographic showing various Distance Education job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

.875 FTE Special Education Assistant

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

Palmer, AK โ€ข On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position Type:
Classified Positions/Special Education Assistant
Date Posted:
7/30/2026
Location:
Talkeetna Elementary
Closing Date:
08/07/2026
Position: Special Education Assistant
Position FTE: .875
Pay Grade: 7
Starting Wage: $19.77
Days Per Year: 202
Shift hours: 8-3:30pm
Class Summary: Under supervision performs a variety of teaching support functions in an emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disordered or self-contained environment. Assists Special Education instructors in planning and implementing student Individualized Education Plans (IEP's), provides teaching assistance to individual students and/or small groups, and provides requisite student care as necessary to ensure the effective delivery of student learning activities.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Duty No.
Essential Duties
Frequency
Band/Grade
1
Enters student Individualized Education Plans (IEP's) into a computer system and prints student data files/ information according to established procedures.
Daily
A1
2
Prepares and returns materials for classroom use and related activities. Locates necessary supplies (e.g. books, movie projectors and VCRs), reproduces class
notes and/or handouts, prepares bulletin boards and craft projects and cleans/organizes classroom upon completion of daily activities.
Daily
A1
3
Provides attendant care for moderately and severely handicapped and/or emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disruptive students throughout the course of the school day. May assist students off/on buses; monitor student activities and safety during class, recess, lunch breaks and field trips; and assist with feeding, dressing and toileting needs.
Daily
A1
4
Professional staff by typing, filing, duplicating and organizing materials for distribution; grades student projects/exams using specified criteria; maintaining attendance records; and assisting instructors and/or professional staff with
screening and testing procedures for students referred for Special Education.
Daily
A1
5
Assists Special Education instructors in planning and implementing student Individualized Education Plans (IEP's). Provides teaching assistance to individuals and/or small groups in a variety of educational areas; monitors student performance; and provides information.
Daily
A1/ B2
6
Assists Special Education instructors in scheduling parent conferences, Individualized Education Plan meetings with professional staff and student visits to
school nurse.
As Needed
A1
7
May be required to provide other administrative assistance (e.g. proctoring student detentions, picking-up student prescriptions and transporting/accompanying students to therapy sessions/jobs.
As Needed
A1
8
May be directed by Supervising teacher to make phone contacts concerning meetings, however, all programmatic communication flows between teacher and parents.
Daily
A1
9
Other duties as assigned.
As Needed
Knowledge: Applicants must be Highly Qualified prior to the end of the probationary period. *Highly Qualified means you have met the paraprofessional requirements as defined by No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The NCLB minimum requirements for paraprofessionals are defined in NCLB Sections 1119(f) and 1119(c)(1) as:
High school diploma or GED, AND
  • Two years of college (at least 48-semester hour credits);
  • ?Associate's (or higher) degree;
  • Pass the Para Pro Assessment and the Paraprofessional Standards Checklist.

Skills (position requirements at entry):
Training and Experience (position requirements at entry): Previous education, training, work or life experience which provides reasonable evidence of the successful performance of the various tasks listed. Such experience may be evidenced by six (6) months of providing attendant care within an emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disordered and/or self-contained environment.
Licensing Requirements (position requirements at entry): A valid Alaska Driver's License.
Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl to assist students. The employee continuously uses hand-strength to grasp items such as classroom supplies, feeding instruments, or testing material. The employee will occasionally lift, carry, push and/or pull to 40 lbs, such as a wheelchair, student, or other assistive devices. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
Medium Work:
  • Lifting/carrying a maximum weight of 40 pounds (lbs.) occasionally (less than 33% of the time, or 1-100 times per day to move objects
  • Pushing a maximum force of 40 ft./lbs. to move objects
  • Pulling a maximum force of 40 ft./lbs. to move objects
  • Dynamic Lifting Criteria:

Floor to Knuckle:
25
LBS
12" to Knuckle:
40
LBS
Knuckle to Shoulder:
LBS
Shoulder to Overhead:
LBS
Post offer/pre-placement examinations are utilized by MSBSD to create a safer working environment for employees. MSBSD requires such examinations for all applicants who have been conditionally offered employment in designated job categories. An examination may include a medical examination and physical fitness or agility tests. In addition, during the examination, training may be provided to increase body awareness during work activities to prevent cumulative trauma and reduce injuries.
For the candidate that receives a conditional offer of employment for this posted position, that offer is conditioned on:
*The candidate's cooperation and cooperation and participation in the WorkSTEPS evaluation program at least 3 days before the anticipated start date;
*Completing a release authorizing MSBSD, WorkSTEPS, and the licensed WorkSTEPS testing facility to conduct the post-offer examination and share information; and
*The candidate's successful completion of the WorkSTEPS evaluation program demonstrating you can safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.
Attachment(s):
  • SPED Assistant_21.doc