Para Educator

Para Educator - Special Education

Location: Dane County, Wisconsin
Position Type: Full-Time | School-Based | School Year

Onward Education is seeking a dedicated Para Educator to support students with disabilities in a school-based setting in Dane County, Wisconsin. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with students, collaborating with educators, and making a meaningful impact in the classroom.

The Para Educator will work alongside teachers and special education staff to support students' academic, behavioral, and daily needs. The ideal candidate is flexible, dependable, collaborative, and comfortable working with students with a range of disabilities and support needs.

• Support teachers in meeting the academic, behavioral, and individual needs of students with disabilities.

• Provide small-group and one-on-one instruction under the direction of a teacher.

• Support students with IEP and 504 goals and assist with collecting academic and behavioral data.

• Facilitate student inclusion in classroom and school environments.

• Provide accommodations and support during assignments and assessments.

• Supervise and support students across various educational settings.

• Assist with classroom management and maintain a safe, positive learning environment.

• Provide student support with daily living and self-care needs, including feeding, toileting, and diapering when required.

• Assist with health-related procedures after appropriate training, which may include tube feeding, transfers, glucose monitoring, or other student-specific needs.

• Provide basic first aid and maintain required health and safety documentation.

• Participate in required training, including CPR, first aid, and crisis intervention.

• Collaborate closely with teachers, special education staff, administrators, families, and other professionals.

• Maintain confidentiality and follow district policies and procedures.

• Support students who may demonstrate physically or verbally aggressive behaviors.

• Assist with lifting, transfers, positioning, and other physical support as needed.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Technical training or experience in special education preferred.

• Must meet applicable requirements for working as a paraprofessional/Para Educator, including one of the following:

  • Two years of study at an institution of higher education;

  • An associate degree or higher; or

  • Successful completion of an approved assessment demonstrating the ability to assist with reading, writing, and mathematics instruction.

• CPR, first aid, and non-violent crisis intervention certifications are required or must be obtained as required.

• Valid driver's license required.

• Previous experience working with students with disabilities is preferred.

• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to follow directions while also making appropriate independent decisions when supporting students.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and prioritize responsibilities effectively.

This position may require:

• Sitting or standing for extended periods.

• Frequent movement throughout the school environment.

• Lifting and carrying students or materials with assistance when needed.

• Bending, reaching, stooping, and other physical movements required to support students.

• Assisting with transfers, positioning, and physical interventions when necessary.

• Working in environments with frequent interruptions, background noise, and varying student behaviors.

• Ability to safely support students during crisis and non-crisis situations.

• Full-time, Monday-Friday during the school year.

• Approximately 7 hours per day.

• School-year position with a consistent weekday schedule.