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First Grade Teaching Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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First Grade Teaching Assistant information

Can I be a first grade teaching assistant with no experience?

First grade teaching assistant positions often do not require prior experience, but having a high school diploma or equivalent is typically necessary. Employers may prefer candidates with basic skills in communication, patience, and classroom support, and some roles offer on-the-job training for new assistants.

What is the difference between First Grade Teaching Assistant vs Kindergarten Teaching Assistant?

AspectFirst Grade Teaching AssistantKindergarten Teaching Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer early childhood education certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires early childhood education certification
Work EnvironmentAssists in first grade classrooms, supporting literacy, numeracy, and classroom activitiesSupports preschool or kindergarten classrooms, focusing on early childhood development and play-based learning
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in elementary schools, assisting first-grade teachersUsed in preschools and kindergartens, assisting early childhood educators

Both roles involve supporting young children's learning, but First Grade Teaching Assistants focus on early elementary education, while Kindergarten Teaching Assistants work with preschoolers and kindergarteners, emphasizing early childhood development and foundational skills.

What are some common challenges faced by first grade teaching assistants, and how can they be managed?

First Grade Teaching Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a classroom with diverse learning needs and maintaining students’ attention throughout the day. Balancing support for the lead teacher while responding to individual student questions can also be demanding. Effective communication, flexibility, and patience are key to navigating these challenges. Building strong relationships with students and collaborating closely with the lead teacher can help create a positive and productive classroom environment.

What does a first grade teaching assistant do?

A First Grade Teaching Assistant supports the classroom teacher by helping students with their work, preparing learning materials, supervising children, and assisting with classroom management. They may work with small groups or individual students who need extra help, and often assist in creating a positive and safe classroom environment. Their role is vital in ensuring that all students receive the attention and support they need to succeed academically and socially.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first grade teaching assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Grade Teaching Assistant, you need a solid understanding of early childhood development, basic instructional techniques, and often a high school diploma or associate degree. Familiarity with classroom technology, educational software, and learning management systems is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and a nurturing attitude are essential soft skills for supporting young students and collaborating with lead teachers. These skills and qualities are crucial for fostering a positive learning environment and ensuring effective support for both students and teachers.

Where do first grade teaching assistants make the most money?

First grade teaching assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and larger school districts, such as urban areas or states with higher education funding. Salary levels are also influenced by experience, certifications, and school district budgets, with some states offering higher pay scales for educational support staff.
What are popular job titles related to First Grade Teaching Assistant jobs in Virginia? For First Grade Teaching Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Grade Teaching Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for First Grade Teaching Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for First Grade Teaching Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most First Grade Teaching Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various First Grade Teaching Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

2026-27 Classroom Assistant Elementary Special Ed - SEAS GAP

Arlington Independent School District

Arlington, VA • On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Arlington Independent School District rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

164th of 628 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Support/Hourly - Position - Classroom Assistant Special Ed - Elementary
Grades K-6
Job Number 0000763894
Start Date
Open Date 02/01/2026
Closing Date 05/30/2027
ROLE AND PURPOSE:
  • To assist in the implementation of the instructional program, inclusive of academic, social emotional and functional supports for each student served via Special Education in specialized programs such as: Alternative Curriculum (Alt Curric), Individuals with Severe and Profound Disabilities (ISPD), Academic and Behavioral Learning Environment (ABLE), and Social Emotional and Academic Skills (SEAS).

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:
  • High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution

Experience:
  • School-based experience preferred
  • Valid driver's license preferred

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
  • Ability to work with children with disabilities
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Knowledge of general office equipment

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT:
  • Take initiative to assist the teacher and other colleagues with classroom instruction and management activities, including but not limited to: one-to-one and small group instruction, classroom organization, transitions, routines, behavior shaping, communication, and assistive technology.
  • Provide and appropriately document assistance to students requiring health related services and supports such as, transitioning, feeding, toileting, hygiene or other health related needs, while maintaining student dignity and safety.
  • Perform designated data keeping and/or instructional preparation tasks

SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION CLIMATE
  • Work cooperatively with principal, network coordinator, special education teachers, therapists, and regular education teachers to insure the success and safety of the students.
  • Participate in specialized training to improve skills needed to successfully complete responsibilities for the specialized program assigned.
  • Consult with teacher and principal on all general administration items including personnel policies.

SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENT
  • Follow established schedule - with the principal's approval, the teacher of the program is responsible for formulating the schedule of the assistant(s). The assistant then works under the direction of the teacher responsible for the instructional block of time.
  • Interact with students professionally, calmly, and intentionally using language for teaching, communicating effectively, and behavior shaping

ADMINISTRATION AND FISCAL/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
  • Operate copy and laminating machines, computer, and audio-visual equipment
  • Maintain classroom organization and cleanliness
  • Take initiative to organize, store and/or prepare student learning and instructional materials

STUDENT MANAGEMENT
  • Assist teacher in implementing social emotional, academic, functional, and positively based interventions for teaching replacement behaviors including: use of reinforcement, consequences, visual systems for shaping behavior, organizational structures for student learning and success
  • Assist the teacher in addressing physical aggression including relationship building, de-escalation and possible use of safe, non-harmful physical restraint procedures
  • Assist the teacher in safe lifting and transfer procedures for students

SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
  • Assist with community learning experiences, field trips and necessary interpretation (if appropriate).
  • Maintain confidentiality of student information, disabilities and services

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
  • Participate in hygiene, communication systems, specific teaching methodologies, assistive technology, lifts and transfers, first aid, CPR, TBSI online training, and District De-escalation and Restraint Training as required by the job assignment to a specialized program
  • Participate in professional learning to support student with disabilities as specific to specialized program role and responsibility.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Supervise and instruct students in the absence of the teacher during ARD meetings, staffing's and conferences.
  • Supervise students during bus duty, building/playground duty, lunch duty, and co-curricular activities

OTHERS:
  • Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor
  • Receive necessary vaccinations to prevent contracting and spreading infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis.
  • Wear appropriate equipment for safe lifts and transfers

WORKING CONDITIONS:
MENTAL DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
  • Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students
  • Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
  • Motion: Frequent walking and reaching
  • Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning students with physical disabilities; assisting nonambulatory students; and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment
  • Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to the sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, infectious diseases)
  • Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Duty Days 183
Additional Job Information
This position receives a $.50/hour differential.
This is a pooled position. It is open year round even if no current openings exist.
Pay Grade Educational Aide 2

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