Associate Educator (Behavior Resource) - (2026-2027) Dowling Elementary

About the role

Under general supervision, assists students in school classrooms with educational programs and assignments, provides assistance to Teachers as directed, and assists students with after-school and special education programs, and special events.

Responsibilities

• Assists students with educational programs and special assignments; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, and the Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants; duties will vary according to job assignment.
• Assists MPS teachers and staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe and productive learning environment; works with students to reinforce classroom learning and improve personal skills; assists teachers with managing classroom, materials and student behavior.
• Assists students in learning processes; reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages socialization and good communications.
• Administers a variety of school programs, student services, community services, special assignments, and educational programs in support of MPS goals; including MPS program outreach & marketing, grant program oversight, bi-lingual & hearing-impaired translator/interpreter, student testing, after school activities, recreation programs, media & technology, security, student behavior support, community relations, transportation, mentoring & tutoring, volunteers, attendance & truancy, English Language Learning, vocational training, accounting & budgets, and special events.
• Monitors and supervises student activities; promotes respect, supports diversity, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
• Assists students to achieve learning objectives with individual assistance and small group sessions.
• Monitors assigned students, and records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files, and keeps records of student progress and activities; assures all required written reports are completed and submitted on a daily basis.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
• Communicates with parents, students and staff to convey pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality of personal information.
• Provides general office and administrative support for assigned program.
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent's goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
• At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

• Completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences or educational area related to position assignment; OR
• Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment AND a high school diploma/GED certificate; AND
• Two (2) years of professional experience working with children; OR
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge Of

• Applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Classroom policies, procedures and processes.
• If assigned to bilingual class designation, knowledge of specific language assigned.
• Methods and techniques to assist students in reading, writing and mathematics.
• Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs.
• Specialized MPS and state agency software applications and procedures.
• Local community resources and regional community services programs.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Safety rules and regulations.

Skill In

• Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills.
• Assisting children and special needs students, and assessing educational needs.
• Maintaining composure, and working effectively under classroom conditions.
• Administering educational and school support programs.
• Reacting quickly to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems.
• Communicating effectively with children.
• If assigned to bilingual class designation, skill in specific language assigned.
• Collaborating as a team member, with colleagues, staff and community representatives.
• Following verbal and written instructions.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, clients and community agencies.
• Communicating effectively in verbal and written forms.

License And Certification Requirements

• Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
• Minnesota State Driver's License may be required.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification required within one (1) year of date of employment.
• Verbal de-escalation and restrictive procedures training may be required within one (1) year of date of employment based on assignment.

Pay

$27.17-$30.75 per hour; 1.0 FTE (40 hours/week).

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• HSA & FSA
• Retirement plan