Special Education Paraeducator

Title: Special Education Paraeducator

Work Year: 10-Month

Department: Student Support Services

FLSA Status: Represented, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Special Education Teacher, in collaboration with Building Principal and Chief of Student Support Services

Hourly Rate: $19.37 pending union negotiations

Position Overview:

The District Paraeducator supports classroom instruction and student learning by assisting certified staff in maintaining a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment. This position provides direct support to students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical development—including implementing accommodations and modifications as outlined in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The Paraeducator works collaboratively across settings alongside general education teachers, special education staff, related services providers, and auxiliary personnel to support instructional and student goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional and Student Support

●       Assist the teacher in establishing and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.

●       Work with assigned students to reinforce instruction and skill development introduced by the teacher.

●       Support implementation of IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications for assigned students.

●       Provide instructional support such as repeating directions, reading materials, organizing assignments, and breaking down tasks.

●       Support independent, enrichment, and remedial activities as assigned by the teacher.

Behavioral and Social Support

●       Implement behavior support strategies and monitor student behavior.

●       Observe student performance and communicate concerns, needs, and progress to the supervising teacher.

●       Assist in promoting positive behavior and engagement.

Student Care and Supervision

●       Assist students with daily living activities, including lunch, transitions, and toileting as needed.

●       Support students using specialized equipment (e.g., wheelchairs) in accordance with safety protocols.

●       Supervise students during recess, transitions, emergency drills, field trips, and school activities.

●       Monitor student behavior and communicate concerns or observations to the teacher.

Classroom and Program Support

●       Assist with preparation and organization of instructional materials and classroom setup.

●       Observe student performance and assist in identifying strengths and areas of need.

●       Support a positive and productive classroom environment aligned with school expectations.

Professional Responsibilities

●       Adhere to Board of Education policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements.

●       Participate in school activities and professional development as assigned.

●       Follow all safety and security procedures and report unsafe conditions.

●       Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Education & Experience:

●       Associate degree, OR at least 60 college credits, OR

●       High school diploma with successful completion of the ParaPathways (formerly ParaPro) Assessment required.

●       Experience working with students, particularly in special education settings, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

●       Ability to support instructional activities and follow teacher direction.

●       Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

●       Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

●       Ability to manage multiple tasks and respond to student needs.

●       Ability to work collaboratively in a classroom environment.

●       Ability to observe, document, and report student progress and concerns.

●       Commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment.

●       Ability to learn Microsoft Office and Google applications and district-specific software applications.

Physical and Cognitive Demands:

Work in this classification requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and assisting students throughout the school day. The employee must be able to lift and move light materials and assist students as needed. Duties require attention to detail, communication, and the ability to respond to dynamic classroom situations.

Vision must be correctable to 20/20 and hearing correctable to within normal limits. Adaptive technology may be utilized as appropriate. The work environment includes classroom and school settings with occasional exposure to outdoor conditions. The noise level is typically moderate.

Note:

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every duty performed in this position. Additional duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.