Special Education Assistant; Program ASD - Bethune Elementary

Job Title:

Special Education Assistant (Program) [ASD] – Bethune Elementary )

Rank: 78.75 FTE (31.5 hrs/week, 41 weeks)

Salary: $27.17 - $30.75 per hour

Benefits:
Dental, Health, Vision, Paid time off, HSA & FSA, Retirement plan

Union: ESP(28)

Functional Area:

Paraprofessional

• Provide support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities in the MPS system.
• Assist staff in developing and implementing individualized lessons and activities to promote student independence, academic and social inclusion, and self‑advocacy.
• Promote student learning and apply preventive, teaching, and reinforcing behavior intervention plans.
• Monitor student activities, enforce district policies, de‑escalate confrontations, and promote respect for social norms.
• Maintain data and behavior documentation, record academic and behavioral assessments, and keep files of student progress.
• Assist with medication, meals, transportation, and class transitions.
• Provide daily hygiene and self‑care assistance as directed by licensed staff.
• Promote student independence in community, recreational, school, leisure, and vocational activities.
• Report learning problems, behavioral concerns, and other issues to supervisors or Principal.
• Prepare classroom environment and materials; assist in special projects and after‑school programs.
• Offer customer service to parents and guardians, answering questions and explaining school rules.
• Demonstrate courteous, cooperative behavior with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff, fostering a harmonious workplace.
• Promote Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of work‑related information and records.

• Special Education – Amharic
• Special Education – Cambodian
• Special Education – Hmong
• Special Education – Liberian
• Special Education – Oromo
• Special Education – Somali
• Special Education – Spanish
• Special Education – Tibetan
• Special Education – Vietnamese

To successfully perform this role, incumbent must satisfy essential duties. The following are representative requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED and completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences, or related field; OR
• Passing score of 460 or higher on the Para Pro Assessment and two (2) years of paid experience with children; OR
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge:

• Classroom policies, procedures, and processes.
• Instructional methods for reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Strategies for working with students with disabilities.
• Local community resources and services.
• Record‑keeping principles and management.
• Computer use and specialized software.
• Safety rules and regulations.

Skills:

• Observe and improve student behavior and learning.
• Assist and assess educational needs of children with special needs.
• Maintain composure under classroom conditions.
• Respond appropriately to stressful or safety situations.
• Communicate effectively with children.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Collaborate with diverse individuals across socio‑economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.

• Valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.
• Complete Special Education Assistant onboarding training within 60 days of employment.
• Complete First Aid/CPR/AED, de‑escalation and crisis response training, and Special Education Orientation within one year.

Work in a classroom setting; moderate physical activity including lifting objects up to 50 pounds. Walking or standing for extended periods; ability to meet pre‑placement exam requirements.

Minneapolis Public Schools is committed to diversity and does not deny opportunities based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Resume and cover letter are required for application.