Full-Time Para

Position Title: K–12 Paraprofessional

Reports To: Building Principal and/or Supervising Teacher

Position Summary

The K–12 Paraprofessional supports students and instructional staff in providing a safe, positive, and effective learning environment. Working under the supervision of licensed teachers and school administrators, the paraprofessional assists with instruction, student supervision, behavior support, personal care, and other activities necessary to meet students’ academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and physical needs.

Assignments may include working with individual students, small groups, or entire classrooms in general education, special education, and other school settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in implementing instructional activities, lesson plans, interventions, and classroom routines.
• Provide individual or small-group academic support under the direction of a licensed teacher.
• Reinforce skills previously introduced by the classroom teacher.
• Support students in reading, writing, mathematics, communication, organization, and other academic or functional skills.
• Assist students with classroom assignments, educational technology, and adaptive materials.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, behavior plans, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements as directed.
• Collect and record student academic, behavioral, or functional data accurately and confidentially.
• Encourage student independence, self-advocacy, responsibility, and appropriate social interaction.
• Use positive behavior supports, redirection, and de-escalation strategies consistent with district procedures.
• Supervise students in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, arrival and dismissal areas, field trips, and other school settings.
• Assist with student mobility, positioning, feeding, toileting, hygiene, and other personal-care needs when required by the assignment.
• Help prepare, organize, and maintain instructional materials, equipment, and classroom spaces.
• Communicate student progress, needs, and concerns promptly to the supervising teacher or administrator.
• Maintain professional boundaries and protect the confidentiality of students, families, and staff.
• Collaborate respectfully with teachers, administrators, related-service providers, families, and other staff members.
• Participate in required meetings, professional development, and training.
• Follow all district policies, school procedures, safety requirements, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to meet all state, federal, and district requirements for paraprofessional employment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and adults.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions.
• Basic reading, writing, mathematics, and technology skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Successful completion of required background checks.

Preferred

• Associate degree, college coursework, or applicable paraprofessional certification.
• Previous experience working with children or adolescents in an educational, childcare, or related setting.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities, behavioral needs, or diverse learning needs.
• Training in first aid, CPR, crisis prevention, de-escalation, or behavior support.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Patience, flexibility, dependability, and a positive attitude.
• Respect for students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, identities, and ability levels.
• The ability to establish appropriate and supportive relationships with students.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of an educational team.
• Effective organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to respond calmly and appropriately in challenging situations.
• A commitment to student safety, dignity, inclusion, and success.
• Regular and reliable attendance.