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Educational Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Educational Assistant information

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How much do educational assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for educational assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $16.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Educational Assistants face when supporting diverse student needs in the classroom?

Educational Assistants often work with students who have a wide range of learning abilities, backgrounds, and behavioral needs. Balancing individual attention with the demands of the overall classroom can be challenging, especially when students require different types of support simultaneously. Collaboration with teachers and specialists is essential to ensure that accommodations are effective and that all students remain engaged. Flexibility, patience, and strong communication skills are key to successfully navigating these challenges and fostering a positive learning environment.

What are Educational Assistants?

Educational Assistants, sometimes called teacher aides or paraprofessionals, are support staff who work under the supervision of teachers to help students succeed in the classroom. They assist with instructional tasks, provide one-on-one or small group support, and help manage classroom activities. Educational Assistants often work with students who have special needs or require extra help, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning environment. Their role varies depending on the school, but they are an essential part of the educational team.

What is the difference between Educational Assistant vs Teacher Aide?

AspectEducational AssistantTeacher Aide
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification or experienceHigh school diploma; often similar certification requirements
Work EnvironmentAssist in classrooms, special education, or support roles within schoolsSupport teachers in classroom activities, often in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private schools, special education programsPrimarily in schools, often used interchangeably with Educational Assistant

Both roles support classroom activities and may require similar credentials. The main difference lies in terminology and specific job duties, but they often overlap in work environment and employer usage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Educational Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Educational Assistant, you need knowledge of educational practices, child development, and typically a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with classroom technology, special education software, and basic administrative systems is often required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to effectively collaborate with teachers and students are vital soft skills. These qualities ensure that Educational Assistants can support diverse learners, maintain a positive classroom environment, and contribute to overall educational success.
More about Educational Assistant jobs
What job categories do people searching Educational Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Educational Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Educational Assistant jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Educational Assistant job openings:
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT: SPECIAL EDUCATION - ESY

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT: SPECIAL EDUCATION - ESY

Albuquerque Public Schools

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Albuquerque Public Schools rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 545 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

***ONLY CURRENT APS EMPLOYEES MAY APPLY***
***MUST HAVE A CURRENT LICENSE OR ENDORSEMENT FOR THE POSITION OF INTEREST***
Assists certified staff in providing delivery of the instructional program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Incumbent must achieve the following outcomes with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Works with individuals and small groups in the classroom to reinforce material introduced by the teacher.
  • Serves as a model in developing students' language and behavior.
  • Collects, prepares and arranges resource material for use by certified personnel
  • Operates support equipment and monitors testing or make-up work by students.
  • Maintains classroom records, prepares reports as requested by the classroom teacher or principal, scores tests, processes books, and manages supplies and classroom equipment as needed.
  • Monitors student activities in classrooms, school grounds, hallways, lunchrooms, field trips, bus loading areas, etc.
  • Provides support for non-instructional classroom duties such as monitoring snacks, restrooms, clothing areas, etc.
  • Participates in parent-teacher conferences and home visits as requested by classroom teachers.
  • Renforces the implementation of IEP goals using similar emphasis and techniques as a classroom teacher.
  • Trains students in self-help skills including eating, toileting, hygiene, behavior management, and academic skills.
  • Assists with custodial skills of students including lifting, positioning, and adaptive equipment maintenance using established procedures.
  • Escorts students to other locations on campus and off campus with the approval of the classroom teacher.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds in supplies which requires bending, stooping and lifting.
  • Additionally, Educational Assistants working in certain special education classrooms are required to regularly assist in the lifting or moving of students of varying weights and sizes for programmatic, hygiene or feeding purposes.
  • The employee must use hands and arms to manipulate objects.
  • The employee must use keyboards, tools and other controls.
  • The employee must sit and stand for long periods of time.
  • The employee must have normal vision and hearing with or without aid.
  • The employee must be able to move about assigned locations unaided during the work day.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE:
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Flexibility, organization, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • Interpersonal skills with diverse populations' in-person and on the telephone.
  • Knowledge of APS community, computer system, financial and legal requirements.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, work on multiple projects and coordinate the work of others.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Experience with educational equipment preferred.
  • Delegation Training

REQUIREMENTS:
REQUIREMENTS:
  • All candidates must have a High School Diploma or equivalent
  • must be at least 18 years of age, and
  • must meet the NCLB highly qualified requirements.

NCLB requirements are:
  • 48 college credit hours OR Pass the Paraprofessional Test

CONTACT INFORMATION:
GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION: Contact esy.sped@aps.edu
Submit an online application. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
APPLY TO:
www.aps.edu/jobs, APS Jobs Apply Online Summer Extended Learning Programs/Summer School
***Please submit Summer Extended Learning (Summer School) Application ***
**This position is not listed on the Administrative/Certified/Classified Applications**
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Staff MUST commit to work ALL workdays and one training day which may include a Saturday; there are NO substitutes during this program
All Schools will be closed on June 19th for the Juneteenth Holiday
SALARY: Negotiated salary for all summer positions, as long as the incumbent stays within their current job classification, is based on hours worked
DAYS:
HOURS:
START DATE: June 8, 2026 - June 29, 2026
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