Special Education Paraprofessional (2026-2027

Special Education Paraprofessional

Under the direction of the Building administration, Student Services Coordinator, and assigned classroom teacher, assist in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students in a classroom or instructional setting; performs various tasks in assisting with the educational needs associated with the particular program to which assigned.

Classroom paraprofessionals, paraprofessionals, and one-to-one paraprofessionals may function in a variety of roles: those which are instructionally-based, those which are physically-management based and those which are medically-based. Job responsibilities may shift among these roles depending upon the needs of the student/s.

Is responsible for instructionally-based activities:

• understands the typical developmental characteristics of the age group and exceptional students
• is familiar with the teaching strategy the teacher wants to use
• is able to provide reinforcers in the way the teacher has planned
• is aware of students' strengths and weaknesses
• provides the teacher with feedback on the success/failure of an understanding of the students' skills and knowledge
• follows lesson plans developed by the certified staff member
• clarifies directions and procedures
• uses spoken/written/sign language and vocabulary that are clear and age-appropriate
• asks questions of a high quality, with adequate wait time for the student to respond
• promotes classroom interaction
• assists individual students or small groups with tasks
• engages all students in discussion and encourages students to formulate questions
• links content to students' prior knowledge and experience
• works with a variety of instructional grouping patterns to foster student engagement in learning
• uses a variety of instructional strategies to meet the variety of learner needs
• provides feedback in a timely manner and specific to the learner
• helps assess student progress through observing and recording data

Is responsible for one or more students with specific medical needs:

• may assist with toileting, which may include diapering and/or assisting students in any stage of the toileting process
• may assist with feeding, including g-tube feeding
• may catheterize
• may need to lift students and position them
• may need to manage medical equipment, i.e., braces

Is responsible for monitoring a student's behavior under the direction of the supervising teacher:

• establishes a positive working relationship with the student
• monitors appropriate physical behavior
• monitors appropriate on-task behavior
• charts behavior data
• implements and follows any Behavior Management Plans
• keeps the teacher informed of behavior
• follows the teacher's lead/guidelines in the implementation of behavior controls

Is responsible for assisting special education students within the general education classroom:

• assists general education teachers with modification of instruction according to the IEPs
• works with small groups and individual students to support general education classroom instruction
• prepares instructional materials
• assists with the administration of general education assessment
• assists with the implementation of student Behavior Management Plans
• works with small groups and individual students to support classroom instruction
• supports special education students in the general education curriculum in areas in which they have no IEP goals

Supervisory Role:

Small groups of children or one-on-one with a child, as assigned, under the supervision of a certified teacher.

Communication

Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback.
• Ability to compose correspondence, reports, and/or other required written materials.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, inquiries, and/or complaints.
• Displays courtesy, tact, and respect when dealing with others.

Mathematical

Skills:

• Ability to perform basic math using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals consistent with the duties of this position.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and information furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Other

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic child guidance, principles, and practices.
• Maintains appropriate confidentiality.
• Knowledge of safe practices in the school environment.
• Promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships; demonstrates a commitment to teamwork.
• Ability to learn and utilize office equipment, computers, and software, especially as systems are upgraded.
• Ability to learn and upgrade job skills in order to meet the changing demands of the position.
• Excellent computer and keyboarding skills.
• Excellent grammatical, spelling, and punctuation skills.
• Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple…