Special Education Para Educator

Job Description

Current paras use the internal application process to apply. All other current district employees (not paras) or external applicants apply online by completing the external application.

Wages: $18.93. New hires: entry level rate $14.93/hr current employees in the bargaining unit refer to the salary schedule. This position includes a $4.00 special education differential pay.

• Provide research‑based social skills instruction and intervention under supervision of a certified teacher.
• Attend any additional required evening trainings or meetings during the school year or summer.
• Accept feedback from specialists and special education facilitators, and implement changes in instruction.
• Follow directives of classroom teachers, building administrators, and district administration.
• Work with students who are explosive in nature and engage in physical and verbal aggression toward others.
• Work with students with learning, behavior, physical, and/or cognitive disabilities, mild to moderate to severe; including students diagnosed with autism and spectrum disorder.
• Provide services for special education students as needed in the special or general education setting.
• Under direction of a special education teacher, provide academic assistance, behavior interventions, instruction of social skills, and daily living skills.
• Attend field trips with students as necessary.
• Ensure regular attendance to meet services in the IEP and to provide FAPE.
• Analyze situations and respond appropriately.
• Interact appropriately with all students.
• Assist in the classroom, cafeteria, and hallway as needed.
• Maintain good people skills and build rapport with culturally diverse students.
• Accompany students to and from the bus, recreational activities, and community sites.
• Supervise students in classroom, at lunch, in the building, on field trips, and at work sites.
• Work individually with one student or a small group as assigned.
• Assist students with restroom needs, changing clothes, and other hygiene needs.
• Support physical education activities for students.
• Assist students with classroom assignments and general education classes.
• Manage the environment and protect students during the school day.
• Follow multiple behavior plans for students, implement changes when directed, and follow through for each student.
• Recognize the need for and initiate activities for students.
• Be flexible with assignments, adapting duties as directed by building principal, teacher, or facilitator.
• Possess patience, dependability, and a willingness to accept responsibility.
• Climb stairs and walk long distances in the building and community.
• Navigate the City Bus System with training.
• Follow specific procedures for teaching new skills as directed.
• Assist with data collection, graphing, and paperwork as guided by the teacher.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Support the multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS) for behavior and academics.
• Accept direction from special education teachers.
• Provide additional duties as assigned by administration.

Regular duties require sitting, standing, speaking, hearing, seeing, and walking. May occasionally lift or move items up to 50 lbs. Must supervise students in all weather conditions and meet multiple demands from several people. Must implement crisis‑prevention intervention strategies, including appropriate physical restraint procedures and escorting.

Noise level ranges from quiet to loud. Work may be indoors and/or outdoors; may occur in non‑air‑conditioned rooms. Environment is tobacco‑ and alcohol‑free, fast‑paced, with constant contact with students, staff, or the public. The role includes direct responsibility for the safety, well‑being, and work output of students.

• Ability to work with students with significant academic, behavior, and social skills difficulties.
• Genuine care and concern for all students.
• Demonstrated ability to follow directives of certified staff.

Job

Final date to receive applications:
Posted until filled

Posted:
Jun 05, 2026

Full‑time

Instructional Support — Paraprofessional / IA

Special Education — Special Education Assistant

All employers submitting a job opening for posting on the Teach Iowa system will not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or status as a veteran. A bona fide religious institution may choose to exercise allowances in Iowa Code section 216.6.(6) d. Employers may have additional developed specific equal employment opportunity policies and procedures;

please check with employers.

• Nicole Stroupe
• 1702 N. Main St
• Davenport, Iowa 52803
• Phone: 563‑445‑5000
• Email: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).