Substitute Paraeducator

Standard Position Description

Classification:
Instructional Para educator

Location:

Assigned School(s)

Employment Begins: 2025‑26 School Year

Reports to:

Principal or Principal Designee; FLSA Status:
Non‑Exempt;
Bargaining Unit: NTPA

This is a standard position description for substitute para educator positions. The duties, responsibilities, classification, and compensation may vary, and the description does not constitute an employment agreement.

The Para educator assists teachers in instruction, supervision, and education of students in group or one‑on‑one situations. Responsibilities include supporting students individually and in small groups, keeping students on task, and working with culturally diverse families and communities.

Paraeducators work under the day‑to‑day direction of the staff member(s) supported and the direct supervision of the Principal, Principal Designee, or District Designee. Instructional staff provide specific directions and oversight. Paraeducators (Special Education) must be familiar with school/district policies, IDEA, and Section 504 requirements.

• Collaborate with teachers by assisting in assessment, curriculum implementation, student interactions, enforcing safe behaviors, and enhancing social growth of students in the classroom.
• In special education classrooms, assist students with daily tasks such as eating, dressing, toileting, diapering, and providing health services (e.g., colostomy care, dressing changes, insulin, nebulization).
• Take or assist in taking action to restrain students who are at risk of harming themselves or others following approved restraint procedures.
• Escort students to and from recess, playground, or bus locations in small groups or one‑on‑one.
• Communicate with students, parents, and community members respectfully and confidentially per staff, administrator, and policy guidance.
• Supervise student safety during recess, playground, bus duty, crossing guard duty, hallway supervision, and other activities; intervene when students are in unsafe situations.
• Provide instructional support and tutoring in large groups, small groups, and one‑on‑one.
• Support visual supports and modifications to the instructional environment to facilitate student engagement.
• Provide social skills and organizational instruction tailored to each student’s needs under certified staff direction.
• Use behavior management plans to assist staff with problem solving and maintain a conducive learning environment.
• Communicate with teachers and certified staff to maintain consistent behavioral plans.
• Listen to concerns, use language appropriate for the student, observe body language, and influence, persuade, motivate, and resolve conflicts.
• Supervise limited discipline measures such as time‑out, loss of recess, or removal from classroom.
• Document student behavior to aid teachers in assessing progress with IEPs and maintain weekly progress reports.
• Assist with limited clerical duties: making copies, operating a fax machine, answering telephones, ordering supplies, and record keeping.
• When other duties do not interfere, teachers (with administrator approval) may assign this position to provide supervision, instructional support, or oversee student safety.
• Follow Board policies and stay updated on changes.
• Perform other duties as assigned; the duties listed above are illustrative.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Able to assist, console, and manage emotional or frustrated students.
• Remain calm, focused, and in control when working with challenging individuals.
• Follow written and verbal direction and take initiative when needed.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Be knowledgeable and supportive of classroom management and discipline procedures.
• Exhibit proper command and clear language usage to model for students.
• Organize work and set priorities for timely completion.
• Protect confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA.
• Collaborate effectively with staff, students, parents, volunteers, and community members.
• C…