Anticipated Special Education Paraprofessional

About the role

A Special Education Paraprofessional position is available at Sherman Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year. The role involves assisting teachers in achieving learning objectives, providing physical and medical support, and performing a variety of tasks as directed.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in performing activities as determined by the teacher.
• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning and implement assigned programs.
• Observe learning difficulties and report to the teacher.
• Assist in developing receptive and expressive language skills.
• Adequately learn to use sign language for selected students.
• Assist the teacher in charting behavior and implementing behavior management strategies.
• Aid in record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assist with cutting and pasting activities.
• Support classroom preparations and reinforcement of instructional materials.
• Monitor students' need for adaptive positioning equipment.
• Incentivize and reinforce positive behavior.
• Participate in art activities and assist when needed.
• Supervise students during playtime and recess.
• Prepare and distribute educational materials.
• Operate visual-aid and media equipment as needed.
• Provide orientation and extra help to substitute teachers.
• Collaborate with all students in the building.
• Advise substitute teachers or authorities regarding medication administration.
• Accompany students to and from classrooms, libraries, offices, gyms, and lunchrooms.
• Assist students on field trips for supervision.
• Support students in moving around the classroom (using lock braces, helping onto crutches, storing crutches, pushing wheelchairs, etc.).

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma required.
• Two years of higher education, an Associate Degree, or equivalent state/local assessment demonstrating knowledge of, and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.
• A valid Ohio Education Aide permit from the Ohio Department of Education.
• Willingness to attend at least 15 hours of job-related in-service training each school year.
• Ability to stand, sit, bend, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 25 pounds alone or 50 pounds with assistance.
• Fine motor skills to assist with cutting, pasting, arranging materials, or using manipulatives.
• Experience in a position requiring independent judgment and discretion.
• Experience in a position or organization requiring group or team effort.
• Ability to assist students with toileting, feeding, and changing diapers.
• Ability to work inside and outside in all weather conditions.
• Willingness to accompany teachers/administrators on home visits.

Skills

• Knowledge of applicable safety rules and procedures.
• Ability to use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Confidentiality of student, employee, and other information.
• Establishing supportive and compassionate relationships with students with special needs.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others.
• Reporting work orally or in writing to supervisors as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Extensive sitting for prolonged periods of time each day.
• Some stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, and lifting of supplies, materials, or assisting students, up to 25 pounds alone or 50 pounds with the help of another staff person.

Terms of Employment

• Per the Mansfield City Schools Board of Education/Mansfield School Employees Association Negotiated Agreement.
• The Mansfield City School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.