Associate Educator (Classroom Support) - (2026-2027) Sullivan PK-8

Organizational Unit: Sullivan PK-8 • FTE: 84.38 (33.7 hours/week) • Union: Educational Support Professionals (ESP)

About the Role

Under general supervision, the Associate Educator assists students in school classrooms with educational programs and assignments, provides support to Teachers as directed, and helps 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.
• Supports MPS teachers and staff to facilitate educational functions and maintain a safe, productive learning environment; reinforces classroom learning, improves personal skills, and assists with classroom management, materials, and student behavior.
• Helps students in learning processes; reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages socialization, and fosters good communication.
• Administers a variety of school programs, student services, and educational initiatives, including:
  • MPS program outreach & marketing
  • Grant program oversight
  • Bilingual & hearing-impaired translation/interpreting
  • Student testing
  • After-school activities & recreation programs
  • Media & technology support
  • Security & student behavior support
  • Community relations & transportation
  • Mentoring, tutoring, and volunteer coordination
  • Attendance & truancy support
  • 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 confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules.
• Assists students in achieving learning objectives through individual assistance and small-group sessions.
• Monitors assigned students, records data for academic and behavioral assessments, maintains files, and submits required reports daily.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisors or the Principal.
• Communicates with parents, students, and staff while maintaining confidentiality.
• Provides general office and administrative support for assigned programs.
• Offers customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior with students, clients, visitors, and staff to promote a harmonious workplace.
• Promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and MPS information.
• May work outside normal business hours or extended hours as required.

Class Designations

• Behavior Resource: Assist in maintaining student discipline in school, on grounds, and at special events. Support administration in communicating with at-risk students and maintaining behavior through intervention and parent contact.
• Bilingual – [Language]: Assist licensed staff as an interpreter to facilitate health, education, or other services for non-English speaking, limited English speaking, and/or bilingual/bicultural community members.
  • Hmong
  • Oromo
  • Somali
  • Spanish
• Media Resource: Assist the library media specialist in the Media Center with circulation, shelving, and preparation of library, technology, and instructional materials. Primary focus on 1:1 device support (circulation, password resets, troubleshooting, managing tech tickets). Secondary responsibilities include helping students find and borrow books, conduct research, and use the library space.
• Title 1 Computer Resource: Provide support to licensed personnel in the computer lab and assist with training students on computer programs.
• Transportation Resource: Establish and provide transportation needs for students. Work with administration on discipline procedures related to bus behavior and communicate with the Transportation Department, administration, and parents on transportation concerns.
• Truancy: Assist licensed personnel in implementing attendance and truancy procedures. Support students with attendance issues through home visits, parent contact, group counseling, team meetings, and community agencies.

Requirements

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

Qualifications

Knowledge Of:

• Applicable policies, procedures, and regulations for the assigned area.
• 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 using standard and specialized software.
• Safety rules and regulations.
• If assigned to a bilingual designation, knowledge of the specific language.

Skills 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 stress or safety problems.
• Communicating effectively with children.
• If assigned to a bilingual designation, fluency in the specific language.
• 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 both verbal and written forms.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Continued employment contingent upon maintaining all required licenses and certificates 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 employment.
• Verbal de-escalation and restrictive procedures training may be required within one (1) year of employment based on assignment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work is performed in classrooms and general office environments with moderate physical requirements.
• Occasional lifting of file boxes or heavier materials with assistance; frequent lifting and carrying of light objects.
• May require significant walking or standing, long periods of computer use, and working with children.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds; may be required to physically restrain students if they are at risk of hurting themselves or others.

Pay

Salary Range: $27.17–$30.75 per hour

Benefits

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