Special Education Paraprofessional

Special Education Paraprofessional

About Momentum Academy

Momentum Academy is a PK-8 public charter school district in St. Louis City committed to fostering love, wellness, growth, and academic excellence. We build character, confidence, and community by supporting scholars, families, and staff to thrive together.

Thrive At Momentum

Momentum is committed to acting with integrity and joy. We provide robust benefits, professional development, wellness supports, and a culture rooted in love, integrity, collaboration, solutions-driven mindsets, and joy. Staff thrive through research-based coaching, highly rated instructional materials, restorative practices, dedicated wellness spaces, and significant employer-paid benefits.

Why Choose Momentum?

• Competitive salary schedule with transparent pay equity
• Merit Pay opportunities for high performance
• Over 5 weeks of breaks (Fall, Winter, Spring, Care Break)
• Paid Time Off and PTO rollover
• Employer-paid short/long-term disability
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance (including dependent insurance contributions)
• Retirement benefits through PSRS-STL (Momentum contributes ~14%)
• Research-based coaching & professional development
• Intellectual Preparation & Learning Communities
• Certification and continuing education assistance
• Staff wellness budget and dedicated wellness spaces
• Free staff breakfast and lunch
• Enrollment preference for staff children

Role Overview

Under the direction of the Manager, Special Education and ELL, and Principal, the Special Education Paraprofessional will support the academic success and character development of all scholars with special education services in the assigned classroom and/or grade level. The Special Education Paraprofessional will work closely with scholars, parents, and school administration to develop individual teaching and classroom management skills.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the classroom teacher.
• Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for the students and monitor their progress.
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
• Work with other professionals, such as speech therapist, social worker, occupational and physical therapists.
• Assist classroom teachers with maintaining student records.
• Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
• Attend weekly staff meetings, provides program input, demonstrates program procedures, is open to constructive criticism to improve skills, implements and demonstrates follow-through of recommendations given by supervisor.
• Assist in the preparation and display of student work.
• Assist classroom teacher with copying items to support teaching.
• Assists in maintaining classroom, organization of data, materials and equipment as established by the teacher.
• Assist in completing student accommodations on assignments.
• Perform other duties as requested or required.

Educational Requirements

• 60 college credit hours
• Passing score of the Para Pro Assessment or Paraprofessional Assessment
• Substitute Teaching Certificate

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience working with students with special education preferred (experience working with students and families in urban communities is a plus)
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Proven track record of student achievement results
• Strong organization, planning, and time management skills.
• A tireless work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative solution finder.
• Open to feedback and committed to continuously improving.

Compensation

The hourly rate for this position begins at $17.24 per hour (annualized at $35,863) and increases based on years of experience, certification(s), and highest level of education.

Schedule & Work Environment

7:30-4 PM at Momentum Academy:
Tower Grove South

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.