Associate Educator - [Classroom Support] - (2026-2027)Seward

Minneapolis Public Schools – Seward Elementary | 0.80 FTE (32 hrs/wk) | Union: ESP(28)

About the role

Under general supervision, provides a variety of services to assist students with special needs in a learning environment; assists MPS staff to develop and implement appropriate individualized lessons and activities for students with disabilities; helps students to meet their therapy and education goals.

Responsibilities

• Provides support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities enrolled in MPS; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, quality standards, and the Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants.
• Assists MPS staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment in the Least Restrictive Environment possible, sensitive to the individual needs and legal rights of Special Education students; works with students to improve personal skills and reinforce classroom learning.
• Assists students in learning processes; applies Prevent, Teach, Reinforce Behavior Intervention Plans, reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages opportunities for peer socialization.
• Monitors student activities, promotes respect, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
• Monitors assigned students and records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files and keeps records of student progress and activities.
• Maintains behavior documentation, written observations, and anecdotal information files for Support and Advocacy for Independent Living Program (SAIL), Individualized Education Program (IEP), and Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA).
• Monitors work, corrects papers, and transitions students for medications, meals, buses, and classes.
• Attends to and provides for students’ daily hygiene, personal, and health-related cares, as directed by licensed staff.
• Promotes student independence in community, recreational, school, and leisure activities, and vocational training.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
• Prepares the classroom environment and materials to be used by students; provides assistance with students in classrooms, special projects, and after-school programs.
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and MPS information.
• Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis.

Requirements

• Completion of 90 quarter/60 semester college credits OR a passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment AND either a high school diploma or a GED certificate. (More information on the ParaPro Assessment can be found at www.ets.org/parapro)
• Two years of experience working with children, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by Human Resources.
• First Aid/CPR/AED, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training, and Special Education Orientation required within one year.
• Personal transportation is required as position may vary.

Qualifications

• Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Passing the required pre-placement exam.
• Final appointment contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

Skills

• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff.
• Promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.

Benefits

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

Pay

$27.17–$30.75 per hour