Special Ed Paraprofessional; Stillwater Middle School

Stillwater Middle School - 6 Hour Special Ed Paraprofessional Position

The Special Education Paraprofessional supports students with disabilities in accessing instruction, developing independence, building positive relationships, and participating successfully in the school community. Working under the direction of licensed staff, the paraprofessional provides academic, behavioral, social-emotional, physical, and daily living support based on individual student needs and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The goal of support is to help students build skills, confidence, and independence while ensuring they are included as fully as possible in classroom instruction and the broader school environment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Build positive, respectful, and supportive relationships with students.
• Support students in accessing classroom instruction, completing learning activities, and making progress toward academic and IEP goals.
• Work with students individually and in small groups to reinforce skills in reading, language arts, mathematics, executive functioning, communication, social skills, and other areas of identified need.
• Implement instructional, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional supports as directed by licensed staff and outlined in student plans.
• Encourage student independence by providing the appropriate level of support and gradually reducing adult assistance when students are able to complete tasks more independently.
• Help students develop strategies for organization, problem-solving, emotional regulation, communication, self-advocacy, and successful participation in class.
• Support students in remaining engaged in instruction and returning to learning following periods of frustration, dysregulation, conflict, or other challenges.
• Reinforce classroom expectations and positive student behavior in a calm, respectful, and consistent manner.
• Use proactive and supportive strategies to help prevent escalation, reduce barriers to learning, and maintain a safe and productive school environment.
• Assist students in navigating transitions between classes, activities, and other parts of the school day.
• Support students during lunch, passing time, transportation, field trips, school activities, and other instructional and non-instructional settings as assigned.
• Assist students with physical disabilities, health-related needs, personal care, mobility, feeding, toileting, or other activities of daily living when required by the student's individual needs and plan.
• Support meaningful student participation and inclusion in general education classrooms, school activities, and the broader school community.
• Collect and document student data related to learning, behavior, participation, progress toward goals, and other identified areas as directed by licensed staff.
• Share relevant student observations with teachers and other appropriate team members to support planning, problem-solving, and student progress.
• Assist with classroom materials, instructional activities, accommodations, modifications, and other supports necessary for students to access learning.
• Follow student IEPs, behavior support plans, safety plans, health plans, and other individualized plans as directed by licensed staff.
• Maintain student dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times.
• Follow all applicable district procedures, safety protocols, and legal requirements related to supporting students with disabilities.

Student Support Guiding Principles:

• Special education paraprofessional support should help students:
  Access and participate in instruction.
• Build academic, social, emotional, behavioral, communication, and functional skills.
• Develop greater independence and self-advocacy.
• Form positive relationships with peers and adults.
• Navigate challenges and recover from dysregulation.
• Participate meaningfully in the least restrictive educational environment.
• Experience belonging, dignity, and success throughout the school day.
• Paraprofessional support should be responsive to individual student needs while avoiding unnecessary adult dependence. Whenever appropriate, support should help students develop the skills and confidence needed to do more independently over time.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work collaboratively with special education teachers, general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, counselors, school psychologists, social workers, nurses, behavior support staff, and other school professionals.
• Follow the direction of licensed staff responsible for student programming and services.
• Communicate relevant student information directly, respectfully, and professionally with appropriate staff.
• Ask questions and seek clarification when student needs, expectations, procedures, or assigned responsibilities are unclear.
• Participate in training, team discussions, and student support planning as appropriate to the role.
• Provide information and observations that may assist licensed staff in monitoring student progress and planning…