2026-27 Paraprofessional I Special Education/Instructional Paraprofessional K-12-Polaris Expeditionary Learning School

This position is for a K-5 paraprofessional role combining 6 hours as a Paraprofessional I and 1.5 hours as an Instructional Paraprofessional at Polaris, a K-12 public school within Poudre School District. The school uses the Expeditionary Learning model to provide authentic learning experiences through extended investigations of compelling topics. This is a Special Education/Integrated Services position for the 2026-27 school year.

Pay

• Paraprofessional I: $19.65–$22.01/hour (minimum to 12% above minimum), based on qualifications and experience
• Instructional Paraprofessional: $18.35–$20.55/hour (minimum to 12% above minimum), based on qualifications and experience

Hours per day: 7.5 | Work calendar days: 186 | Duration: Ongoing

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• PERA retirement
• Paid time off
• Short- and long-term disability
• Access to employee walk-in clinic
• Other optional benefit elections

About the Role

Responsible for assisting the general classroom or special education teacher by providing instructional, physical, and behavioral support for students with mild to moderate physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, other health impairments, and/or special needs. This ensures full participation in class activities with access to the general education curriculum. Assist students with classroom work, personal care, social skills, self-determination, and self-awareness. Support both special education and general education teachers with classroom accommodations, materials, and clerical tasks. Ensure access to accommodations within the general education setting, monitor student progress, and tailor assignments to individual needs and behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Assist the general classroom or special education teacher in delivering targeted instruction, reteaching complex concepts, and reinforcing learning skills in individual or small groups.
• Accommodate instructional materials to support diverse student needs, including those with learning challenges.
• Independently support students within general education and special education settings by guiding classroom assignments, assessments, and larger academic projects.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies to address social, emotional, and academic needs, ensuring student success.
• Proactively manage student behavior, including de-escalation techniques for physical aggression and self-regulation coaching.
• Support students in developing appropriate social interactions and emotional coping strategies, often in high-stress situations.
• Work closely with teachers, caseworkers, mental health professionals, and other staff to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavioral strategies.
• Provide vigilant supervision of students in classrooms, hallways, common areas, and during transitions (e.g., breaks, lunch, recess, arrival/dismissal), including line-of-sight supervision when necessary.
• Enforce safety protocols, assist with crisis response, and serve as a second adult during high-risk situations.
• Assist students with mobility, personal care, hygiene, and health-related needs, including restroom support, feeding, and positioning, using specialized equipment and techniques to ensure student dignity and independence.
• Independently adjust instructional materials based on the student's IEP to accommodate students with disabilities, including those with hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments.
• Utilize assistive technology and alternative communication methods as needed.
• Track and record student progress, behavior incidents, and intervention outcomes.
• Assist with instructional planning, grading, attendance, and data collection to support individualized student success plans.
• Attend and actively participate in high-level training sessions and school-wide initiatives to stay updated on instructional strategies, behavioral interventions, and legal compliance requirements.
• Adapt quickly to changing student and classroom needs, including working with higher-needs students, filling in for absent staff, and managing multiple priorities under minimal supervision.
• Support high-stakes initiatives, special projects, and urgent school-wide needs as directed by administration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One year of related experience
• Experience working with students in a school setting preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable
• If assigned to a Title I school, at least one of the following:
  • Completion of at least two years of higher education
  • An associate's (or higher) degree
  • Successful completion of the WorkKeys assessment demonstrating instructional competency within one year of hire
• Criminal background check required for hire
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification required within 3 months of hire
• Completion of Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (5 in first 2 years of hire)