Associate Educator (Bilingual Somali) (2026-2027) Heritage

About the role

This position 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;
• 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;
• Maintains files, and keeps records of student progress and activities;
• 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.

Requirements

• Completion of 90 quarter/60 semester college credits OR a passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment AND a high school diploma/GED certificate;
• Two (2) years of professional experience working with children;
• Knowledge of applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment;
• Classroom policies, procedures and processes;
• 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;
• 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;
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training may be required within one year of hire, based on assignment.

Qualifications

• A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required;
• First Aid, CPR, and AED training is required within one year of hire;
• Physical demands include occasional lifting up to 40 pounds and standing for long periods of time.