2026 - 2027 TA 2 - Special Ed - Washington Tech High School

Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is seeking a Teaching Assistant 2 - Special Education for Washington Tech High School in St. Paul, MN for the 2026 - 2027 school year.

Requirements

• 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 of higher education which are applicable toward a bachelor's degree, or
• Passing score on the ParaPro or Paraeducator Assessment and either a high school diploma or a GED certificate.

  (For more information on the ParaPro Assessment, contact Educational Testing Service at 1-800-772-9476 or www.ets.org/parapro)

Skills & Abilities

• Basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Ability to converse with students and staff as necessary and/or in accordance with student’s IEP.
• Basic skills in typing, copying, and use of computers, iPads, and duplicating equipment (required for some positions).
• Commitment to racial consciousness and supporting all students to achieve equitable outcomes.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with students and staff.
• Sensitivity to the needs of others.
• Ability to relate to students with warmth, friendliness, and understanding.
• Punctuality and consistent attendance.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing student Individualized Educational Plans (IEP), 504 Plans, Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), and sensory plans.
• Support the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms and environments.
• Record data on students’ IEP objectives and BIPs for use in monitoring and adjusting student programs.
• Assist students with functional skills, such as feeding, dressing, toileting, and other self-help activities.
• Maintain toileting area and equipment; set up meal area and equipment.
• Assist teachers in working with individual students on communication systems, therapy, and discipline across the school day and in all environments.
• Mobility to move around classrooms and schools to anticipate and meet student needs.
• Complete Third Party billing daily.
• Provide follow-up instruction on Positive Behavioral Interventions and implement de-escalation strategies to avoid power struggles.
• Training in Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) for de-escalation and physical restraint techniques; use only when necessary to ensure safety.
• Support students on field trips (Class 1, Class 2, and Floater Teaching Assistants may perform similar tasks).
• Perform bus duty, including:
  • Assisting students with disabilities entering/exiting the bus.
  • Securing wheelchairs, seatbelts, and shoulder harnesses.
  • Maintaining order, comfort, and hygiene on the bus.
  • Escorting students safely to the curb and into the school building.
  • Implementing behavior intervention plans for the bus.

Other Requirements

• Physically able to lift more than 40 pounds when applicable.
• Able to sit, walk, climb, crouch, kneel, push, talk, and hear.
• Complete Special Education Orientation training.
• Must maintain Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), bus safety training, and CPR certification as required.
• If assigned to a Special Education bus route, complete basic first aid, CPR, and bus safety training within 30 days (offered by the District’s Transportation Department).

Pay

• TA 2 Pay Range: $21.63 - $28.48 per hour (maximum hiring step = step four).
• Full salary schedule available in the Teachers contract under the "Teaching Assistant" labor agreement.

Schedule

This is a 10-month position working 35 hours per week.

Benefits

Benefit information for this position can be found on the Benefits Summaries page under "Teaching Assistants (TA) Full Time."