Special Education Paraeducator; beginning

Para educator (Special Education) - Muldown Elementary

Whitefish School District seeks a Para educator (Special Education) to join one of the leading school districts in the state of Montana. With the support of our community, Whitefish School District creates an educational environment where each student can reach their academic potential, prepare for career opportunities, and become engaged citizens.

Provides assistance to administrative and instructional personnel in teaching and promoting a positive learning, working environment. Performs a variety of instructional activities; assists in the conduct of training and learning activities with children experiencing special learning needs; performs a variety of routine clerical and supportive activities for instructional personnel; and performs other related work as assigned. Assists special education teacher, students with special needs, and accompanies students to classes as needed.

All duties are to be undertaken in alignment with the District's Strategic Plan, putting the safety, health, and well-being of students at the forefront of all actions and decisions.

• High School Diploma

• Minimum 2 years of college coursework (60 units) or an Associate's degree in education or a related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in assisting with reading, writing, and math instruction.

• Professional Background:
  Proven experience as a para educator (Title I, Special Ed, or General) or in a childcare/educational setting.
• Instructional Support:
  Knowledge of child development, special education goals, basic arithmetic, and the ability to operate teaching aids and office equipment.
• Administrative:
  Demonstrated proficiency in routine clerical tasks, time management, and maintaining strict confidentiality of student records.

• Student Engagement: A patient, warm, and receptive approach toward children with special needs.
• Adaptability:
  Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and follow complex oral/written instructions.
• Collaboration:
  
  Skill in maintaining cooperative relationships with students and staff.

• Implement IEPs:
  Deliver remedial instruction and tutoring (individual or small group) as designed by special education teachers and Individualized Education Programs.
• Material Development:
  With the specific direction of the special education teachers, prepare, adapt, and present instructional materials, learning aids, and displays to meet diverse student needs.
• Academic Monitoring:
  Assist with drills, reading exercises, and testing; accurately score and record student progress.

• Safety & Oversight:
  Supervise students across all settings, including classrooms, playgrounds, bus duty, and field trips.
• Behavioral Support:
  Apply positive reinforcement and de-escalation strategies to manage impulsive or physically aggressive behaviors safely.
• Social Modeling:
  Shape appropriate social interactions and maintain high expectations for student conduct and discipline.

• Direct Care:
  Assist students with personal hygiene, medical needs, and physical handicapping conditions.
• Crisis Response:
  Monitor for physical distress and request emergency assistance when necessary.
• Developmental Awareness:
  Apply knowledge of child growth and varied disabilities to provide a patient, receptive learning environment.

• Clerical Duties:
  Maintain organized student records, perform routine office tasks, and operate educational equipment.
• Environmental Management:
  Ensure the classroom remains orderly, attractive, and conducive to learning.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Participate in planning processes, preparing sub plans, and training as a member of the instructional team.

• Compliance:
  Adhere to Board Policy, maintain strict confidentiality, and follow supervisor directives.
• Soft Skills:
  
  Demonstrate effective time management, mathematical accuracy, and…