2026-2027 Special Education Aide

Salary range: $22,532–$53,960 (commensurate with experience). 10-month, 186-day contract; non-exempt classification.

About the role

The Special Education Paraprofessional provides clerical and human support to assist in the management and instruction of students with disabilities who have an IEP. Reports to the Principal and classroom teacher.

Responsibilities

• Assists teacher with instructional activities including group reading, training, use of materials, library use, and testing.
• Devises special strategies for reinforcing learning materials and skills based on individual student needs, interests, and abilities.
• Monitors student work, corrects papers, and supervises curriculum-based testing and make-up work as assigned.
• Performs clerical, classroom maintenance, and instructional duties as directed by the teacher or Administrator.
• Serves as a resource person to General Education Teachers when requested.
• Assists with special activities, fire drills, and field trips.
• Participates in in-service training programs as assigned.
• Manages student records and behavior as assigned.
• Provides a broad range of assistance and instruction to students with disabilities.
• Sets up and operates audio-visual equipment.
• Performs lunchroom, hall, and bus duty as assigned.
• Supervises playground activities (Elementary/Early Childhood).
• Provides instruction in survival skills and leisure activities.
• Assists with maintaining the teaching area and preparing materials.
• Performs other duties as directed by the Teacher or Administrator.

Requirements

• Understanding of and empathy for students with disabilities.
• Ability to assist non-ambulatory students who require wheelchairs and related equipment, including transferring, moving, positioning, and securing students.
• Ability to communicate with children with special disabilities (deaf, blind, nonverbal, etc.).
• Physical strength, agility, and dexterity required to restrain students whose behavior is disruptive or dangerous to self or others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, and staff.
• Demonstrates ethical behavior and maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Knowledge of instructional goals and policies of public schools.
• Patience and ability to work effectively with children and faculty members.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and perform all required tasks.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or completion of 60 hours of college credit from an accredited institution recognized by the Virginia Department of Education, or
• Passing score of 455 on the ParaPro Assessment to demonstrate knowledge of and ability to assist in reading, writing, and mathematics instruction.
• Minimum of one year of experience as a teacher’s aide preferred.