Paraeducator (2026-2027 School Year)

About the Role

Paraeducators play a vital role in delivering educational programs within elementary or secondary educational systems. They support teachers by working with individual or groups of students to meet specific student and program needs. Paraeducators assist in linking academic support, communication, and understanding between the school, classroom teacher, families, and community.

Responsibilities

• Spend a large portion of time in the classroom assisting students with lessons under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher.
• Reinforce learning concepts for individuals or small groups of students.
• Work with teachers to modify activities to meet individual student needs.
• Assist teachers in monitoring, collecting data, and maintaining records of student performance and progress.
• Maintain learning areas, learning centers, and instructional materials, including appropriate use of educational technology.
• Display patience and understanding while managing children in demanding situations.
• Teach self-help, problem-solving, and coping skills.
• Recognize individual learning styles and adapt to the characteristics of learners (e.g., cultural background, language proficiency, mobility, and family dynamics).
• Challenge students to fulfill their potential.
• Document parent contacts and inform appropriate personnel, especially for students requiring supplemental services.
• Actively participate as part of an educational team.
• Demonstrate knowledge of various philosophies and theories of education.
• Work within a multidisciplinary context.
• Assist with grading, marking papers, and checking homework.
• Assist students to and from buses and support bus drivers until departure.
• Assist in the transportation of students and caring for students' medical needs under direct supervision.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by a supervisor.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Paraeducators working in a Title School must have a minimum of 48 accredited college credits (verifiable with a transcript) or pass a state-approved assessment.
• Some positions may require in-service training or coursework in first aid, symptoms of child abuse, and/or signs of illness.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions.
• Ability to react immediately to emergency situations, including the use of physical restraint techniques for student and staff safety.
• Physical ability to walk long distances, stand for extended periods, bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps, and reach overhead.
• Manual dexterity, physical ability, and stamina for a full day of physical activity.
• Ability to see and hear well.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 20 pounds regularly.

Skills

• Maintain confidentiality of student and staff information.
• Model appropriate behavior for students.
• Develop and maintain professional rapport with classroom teachers and staff.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students, staff, and parents.
• Observe and chart student behavior; assist in student discipline as instructed by the teacher.
• Prioritize and organize tasks effectively.
• Communicate verbally and in writing with individuals inside and outside the organization.
• Perform as an effective team player.
• Plan, organize, make decisions, and prioritize work to meet daily demands.
• Exhibit professionalism, a positive attitude, and good judgment.
• Conform to professional standards of dress and appearance.
• Understand the district’s mission, purpose, goals, and the role of every employee in achieving them.

Equipment

This position may require the use of SMART boards, iPads, computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Compliance with USD 259’s guidelines for equipment use is mandatory.

Interrelations

• Contact with district personnel, customers, and vendors.
• Work under the direct supervision of a department supervisor to complete daily tasks.
• Work with a diverse population, handling all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude.
• Interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner, providing responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• Perform all assigned duties and work scheduled hours during each designated workday unless approved leave is obtained.
• Any deviation from assigned hours requires prior approval from a supervisor or building administrator.
• Report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for the position.