Published: Sep 22, 2025 - The Instructional Aide assists in preparing the learning environment, supporting classroom activities, and providing clerical support to teachers. This role involves working with individual students or small groups, supervising students during classroom and non-classroom activities, and ensuring a safe and organized environment. The aide also promotes positive student achievement, maintains confidentiality, and collaborates professionally with staff, parents, and the community.

An Introduction to Professional Skills and Functions for Instructional Aide with a Cover Letter
1. Expertise Areas for Instructional Aide Cover Letter
- Meet with the classroom teacher and/or immediate supervisor.
- Discuss daily activities, academics, behaviors, social and/or medical concerns related to the students.
- Complete and submit paperwork, lesson plans, instructional data, and behavior data in a timely fashion as scheduled for students assigned.
- Use Agency-approved treatment techniques in supervising and educating students.
- Demonstrate familiarity with behavior management and behavior education techniques used at GLS.
- Act as a role model and set an appropriate example for students, staff, and the community.
- Demonstrate familiarity with the curriculum by using resources.
- Implement the students’ program under the direction and training of the classroom teacher and the Education/Learning Coordinator.
- Engage students in active learning.
- Provide constructive criticism and feedback for staff working within the classroom setting and ensure that Education Department policies are followed.
Skills: Classroom Collaboration, Student Support, Lesson Planning, Behavior Management, Curriculum Implementation, Active Learning, Data Reporting, Staff Feedback
2. Primary Focus for Instructional Aide Cover Letter
- Assist the teacher in all areas of work.
- Assist students with academics.
- Distribute lesson plans or assign computer lessons to students.
- Responsible for grading student tests.
- Enter scores on Student Progress Records.
- Prepare congratulations slips for passed tests.
- Assist teachers in checking daily goals to ensure work is being completed.
- Motivate students for maximum learning.
- Assist in maintaining discipline in the classroom.
- Participate in faculty and professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops.
- Inspire students with consistency, care, and interest to build students’ self-esteem and promote further success.
- Praise students, compliment them and encourage them in order to build character.
- Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance the students’ learning experience.
- Perform special projects, during and after normal business hours, and other duties.
Skills: Classroom Assistance, Academic Support, Lesson Distribution, Test Grading, Record Keeping, Student Motivation, Discipline Management, Learning Facilitation
3. Criteria for Instructional Aide Cover Letter
- Create opportunities for enhancing student skills.
- Plan and implement activities that are consistent with student abilities, interests and educational plans.
- Interact with children and parents appropriately.
- Provide carryover of therapeutic programs.
- Maintain data and other records according to protocol.
- Act as a substitute in the absence of the teacher.
- Maintain a safe and secure environment for the students.
- Follow all related policies and procedures.
- Encourage student independence in communication, decision-making and other activities.
- Display enthusiasm and appropriate energy level.
- Maintain students’ motivation, cooperation, and participation.
- Responsible for participating in arrival and dismissal practices.
- Clean and organize the classroom on a daily basis.
Skills: Skill Development, Activity Planning, Parent Communication, Therapeutic Support, Data Management, Safety Monitoring, Student Independence, Classroom Organization
4. Operational Insights for Instructional Aide Cover Letter
- Provide assistance with instruction for students with disabilities.
- Supervise students with disabilities during non-instructional activities.
- Supervise students during transitions.
- Collaborate with general education, special education, and related services staff.
- Accommodate and modify for student learning.
- Support the general education teacher with the implementation of appropriate accommodations in the general education setting.
- Perform related duties as may be designated by the special educator.
- Responsible for the toileting of students is a duty that an individual may be expected and required to perform as a paraprofessional employed by the Cambridge Public Schools.
Skills: Instructional Support, Student Supervision, Transition Assistance, Staff Collaboration, Learning Accommodation, Classroom Support, Related Duties, Personal Care Assistance
5. Relationship-building Techniques for Elementary Instructional Aide Cover Letter
- Assist in planning and preparing the learning environment, setting up interest centers and preparing needed materials and supplies for students' daily activities.
- Work individually or in small groups with students to review classroom instruction, listen to reading groups, or assist in answering questions.
- Supervise outside playground activities.
- Help with general housekeeping tasks.
- Responsible for performing clerical tasks.
- Attend all staff meetings and recommended training programs and conferences, including in-service training as may be required by the district.
- Assist with the supervision of students outside the classroom, such as on field trips.
- Assist with student supervision and safety during play period, lunchroom activities, dismissal, etc.
- Handle sensitive and confidential information, documents, communications, incidents, etc., with discretion and in a conscientious manner.
- Cooperate and share professionally with other members of the staff.
- Promote high academic/achievement for all children.
- Promote a greater focus on teaching and learning.
- Promote flexibility to stimulate local initiatives, coupled with responsibility for student performance.
- Promote improved linkages among schools, parents and communities.
Skills: Lesson Preparation, Small Group Instruction, Playground Supervision, Housekeeping Support, Clerical Tasks, Student Supervision, Confidentiality Management, Staff Collaboration
What Are the Qualifications and Requirements for Instructional Aide in a Cover Letter?
1. Professional Background for Instructional Aide Cover Letter
- Must have a CPR Certificate.
- Must have a First Aid Certificate.
- Able to perform general clerical duties.
- Ability to work with students on a one-to-one and small group basis.
- Ability to relate to students, parents and staff in a positive manner.
- Ability to relate and cooperate with school personnel and students.
- Must have a friendly, helpful attitude toward all.
- Must have a patient, calm demeanor.
Qualifications: BA in Early Childhood Education with 1 year of Experience
2. Education and Qualifications for Instructional Aide Cover Letter
- Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities and new initiatives.
- Ability to quickly learn and utilize technology.
- Knowledge and understanding of research-based instructional practices.
- Relevant experience in an alternative school setting, computer lab environment.
- Relevant experience in instructing or tutoring students in a classroom and/or computer lab environment.
- Strong background in and command of academic content.
- Demonstrated success working with students in traditionally underserved communities.
- Must have a reflective orientation and willingness to learn.
Qualifications: BS in Psychology with 4 years of Experience
3. Knowledge and Abilities for Instructional Aide Cover Letter
- Able to work with students on a small group basis, including students with reading difficulties.
- Able to work in a timely and efficient manner.
- Must have relates to students, parents and staff in a positive manner.
- Ability to use word processing on personal computers.
- Must have experience with children.
- Must have instructional experience.
- Able to live scan/fingerprints.
- Able to work a flexible schedule.
- Must have CPR/BLS Certificate.
Qualifications: BS in Educational Technology with 3 years of Experience
4. Collaborative Teamwork for Instructional Aide Cover Letter
- Able to value diversity and contribute to an inclusive working and learning environment.
- Good judgment, ability to make quick decisions, and problem-solving.
- Able to remain calm under pressure and maintain self-composure in high-stress times.
- Experience working with special needs students.
- Ability to maintain a calm, professional, patient and positive attitude toward disabled students.
- Willingness to learn specialized instructional/management techniques employed with disabled students.
- Ability to communicate and develop effective working relationships with students, parents, and staff.
- Previous experience working with and supervising children.
- Must have bilingual English/Spanish.
- Must have a Current CPR and 1st Aid Certificate within 3 months of employment.
Qualifications: BA in English Education with 2 years of Experience
5. Experience and Requirements for Instructional Aide Cover Letter
- Ability to work well with children.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Experience working with children in an instructional setting.
- Experience in a classroom/school setting.
- Must be willing to work with various grade levels.
- Working knowledge of MS Office and virtual meeting programs (Zoom, Teams, etc.).
- Able to show passion to help students.
- Experience working in a school environment.
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Passion for working with children from various backgrounds.
- Able to work in a family-oriented and collaborative environment.
Qualifications: BS in Special Education with 3 years of Experience