Specialized; LD Education Support Professional; ESP

Work Hours

Work day: 6.5 hours per day

Work calendar: 180 duty days per year.

The Special Education ESP provides support to students at the school site who qualify for special education services in various school environments. The position is responsible for implementing aspects of the student's IEP (Individual Education Plan) under the direction of certified staff. This includes instructional support, behavior management, health support, collecting data, and communicating academic and behavioral progress. The percentage of time spent on essential duties will depend on the individual student's needs and abilities.

• Follow student Behavior Intervention Plans and Emergency Healthcare Plans.
• Provide support to students with personal cares (toileting, dressing, feeding) as needed.
• Work with a wide variety of students with different disabilities.
• Observe and document students' academic and social behaviors.
• Consistently and accurately collect data on student progress toward goals and objectives.
• Provide feedback on student progress to classroom teachers and related services staff.
• Have knowledge of using iPads and other devices for communication with non‑verbal students.
• Support students with de‑escalation techniques and use restrictive procedures as needed (training provided as required).
• Supervise students in various settings and locations on and around the school building before, during, and after school hours.
• Move on and off the floor to meet students at their level.
• Provide support/supervision during mealtimes, recess, and on field trips.
• May monitor and/or supervise students in the lunchroom and on the playground in all types of weather.
• Model appropriate language and social behavior.
• Build strong relationships with children from all backgrounds and neuro‑types.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Communicate effectively with all staff.
• Maintain good organizational skills.
• Demonstrate regular, on‑time attendance.

• Minimum requirement: 60 college semester credits or a two‑year degree from an accredited college or university (please include official transcripts).
• Alternately, completion of the Para educator Assessments with passing scores of 65% and 70% in Minnesota.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience working with elementary‑age students.
• Computer skills preferred.
• Flexibility and the ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Positive rapport with children and the ability to correct inappropriate behavior with fairness and consistency.
• Regular, on‑time attendance required.

• Believes that all students can attain high levels of learning.
• Take responsibility for the learning of students and their own performance.
• Possess the knowledge and skills to build effective educational experiences that benefit all students.
• Function as an effective member of the educational/school team.
• Will not shy away from today’s educational challenges.
• Utilize effective interpersonal skills.
• Have a proven track record of success.
• Act with integrity.

Rochester Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce to better reflect the community we serve. Recruiting, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and promoting staff must honor and include diverse identities and perspectives at every level.

All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.