Teaching Assistant; TA Pool

General Information

Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is hiring full‑time Teaching Assistants (TAs) 1 and 2 for the 2026‑2027 school year across the district.

• An AA, AS, AAS (or higher) degree, or
• Two years of post‑secondary coursework (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) from an accredited institution applicable toward a bachelor’s degree, or
• Passing score on the Para Pro or Para educator Assessment AND either a high school diploma or a GED certificate.

• Basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Ability to converse with students and staff as necessary and/or in accordance with students’ IEP.
• Basic typing, copying and use of computers and iPads; duplicating may be required for some positions.
• Racial consciousness and support all students to achieve equitable outcomes.
• Ability to develop good relationships with students and staff.
• Ability to be sensitive to the needs of others.
• Ability to relate to students with warmth, friendliness and understanding.
• Must be on time to work every day.

The essential job functions of a Teaching Assistant include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental duties. A TA may be assigned to any of the following categories as needed to support students academically.

• Work under the direction of a licensed teacher or other licensed instructional or nursing staff.
• Able to follow the daily schedule.
• Prepared to support all students in the general‑education classroom, including those with 504 Plans or IEPs.
• Monitor student behavior, observe and keep records.
• Tutor students in reading, language arts, spelling, mathematics, social studies, and other subjects.
• Assist teachers with checkout and check‑in of educational materials and consumables.
• Organize and maintain instructional materials (books, flash cards, blocks, clocks, rulers). Set up and take down equipment used in class.
• Prepare, duplicate, and assemble materials for teacher and other professional staff.
• Use technology including iPads; light typing. Maintain displays and bulletin boards. Assist in program registration and fee collection. File materials and answer phones. Deliver messages and meals to rooms.
• Participate in physical education activities and assist teacher with low‑organized games.
• Assist in planning parties and special projects.

• Assist in implementing student IEPs, 504 Plans, BIPs, and sensory plans.
• Support inclusion of students with disabilities in general‑education classrooms.
• Record data on students’ IEP objectives and BIPs.
• Assist students with functional skills (feeding, dressing, toileting, other self‑help activities).
• Assist teachers in working with individual students using communication systems, therapy, and discipline across the school day and all environments.
• Able to be mobile and move around classrooms and the schools.
• Complete third‑party billing daily.
• Provide follow‑up instruction on Positive Behavioral Interventions and implement de‑escalation strategies.
• Be trained in Non‑violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) for de‑escalation and physical restraint techniques; use NVCI techniques only when needed to assure safety.
• Assist in supporting students on field trips.

Class 1, Class 2, and Floater TAs may perform other similar tasks. All TAs must be able to lift more than 40 pounds and may have bus duty.

• Must be physically able to lift more than 40 pounds when applicable.
• Able to sit, walk, climb, crouch, kneel, push, talk, and hear.

TA2s must be trained in Special Education Orientation.

• Must be trained and maintain NVCI and bus safety training and CPR as required.
• Regardless of TA1 or TA2, completion of basic first aid, CPR and bus safety policies within 30 days of assignment to ride the bus is required.

• 10‑month position working 35 hours per week.
• TA1: $20.19 – $23.30 per hour.
• TA2: $21.63 – $26.28 per hour.
• Maximum hiring step = step four (4).

Full salary schedule listed in the Teachers contract. Salary information available on the Labor Agreements page. Benefit information for this position available on the Benefits Summaries page.

• Regular and reliable attendance.
• May be exposed to various cleaning products.

Saint Paul Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and supports an inclusive workplace environment.

SPPS is committed to an equitable workforce where all employees represent this commitment through equitable practices.